News Summary
A tragic crash involving six vehicles on U.S. 278 in Bluffton resulted in the death of a local man. The accident disrupted morning traffic and led to extensive emergency response. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collision, which has raised safety concerns in the community.
Fatal Six-Vehicle Crash on U.S. 278 in Bluffton Claims Life of Local Man
A deadly crash involving six vehicles occurred on U.S. 278 (Fording Island Road) in Bluffton on July 28, 2025, shortly before 6:30 a.m. The accident resulted in the death of a local man and caused significant disruptions in traffic as authorities responded to the scene.
The collision took place at the intersection of U.S. 278 and John Smith Lane in the westbound lanes. A total of six vehicles were involved, including two pickup trucks: a Ford F-150 and a Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The crash resulted in one fatality, identified later as 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez, who succumbed to blunt force injuries sustained during the incident.
Emergency services responded quickly, and one individual was transported to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed the fatality by 3:30 p.m. on the same day.
The crash created havoc for morning commuters, prompting Bluffton police to close the westbound lanes of U.S. 278. The road remained blocked from approximately 6:30 a.m. until around 9:45 a.m., causing traffic to be diverted through Buckwalter Parkway and Buck Island Road during the closure. The lanes were fully reopened around 5:20 p.m. after being obstructed for several hours due to the investigation and cleanup operations.
Details of the crash revealed that three vehicles were traveling westbound and another three were heading eastbound. The accident unfolded when the Ford pickup truck struck two westbound vehicles before crossing the median, colliding with two vehicles traveling east, which included a Nissan sedan and another Chevrolet truck. A sixth vehicle, a Toyota van, also struck the Ford truck and the Chevrolet truck, escalating a serious situation.
Among those injured, the driver of the Ford truck and a front-seat passenger were transported to a local hospital, along with the driver of the Nissan sedan. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported for other individuals involved in the crash.
Juan Tahual-Lopez, who lost his life in the incident, was described as a devoted husband and father of four. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support his family during this difficult time, highlighting the profound impact of his loss on those close to him.
Authorities from the South Carolina Highway Patrol are conducting an investigation to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Deputy Chief Adam Corn acknowledged the efforts of emergency services and expressed sympathy for all affected by the tragic incident, indicating that investigations would continue to provide clarity on the circumstances that led to such a devastating outcome.
This fatal crash marks a concerning trend in roadway safety, underscoring the importance of cautious driving and adherence to traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Fatal Six-Vehicle Crash in Bluffton
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WJCL: Bluffton Traffic Gridlock Crash
- Google Search: Bluffton Traffic Accident
- WSAV: Fatality in Bluffton Accident
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety
- Post and Courier: Fatal Accident Hilton Head
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- WTOC: One Person Dead After Bluffton Crash
- Google News: Bluffton Accident
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
