Beaufort County, September 24, 2025
News Summary
An 81-year-old woman, identified as Margaret Mallet from Bluffton, died following a collision on US 278. The incident occurred at the intersection with Sun City Boulevard on Saturday morning. Mallet was driving a Nissan Sentra when she collided with an Acura. Authorities are investigating the crash, which is the 15th highway fatality in Beaufort County this year. The community is concerned about traffic safety amid these tragic events.
Beaufort County, SC – An 81-year-old woman named Margaret Mallet from Bluffton has been identified as the victim of a fatal collision that occurred on Saturday morning. The tragic incident took place on US 278 at the intersection with Sun City Boulevard around 10:12 a.m.
Mallet was driving a 2014 Nissan Sentra westbound on US 278 when her vehicle collided with a 2015 Acura that was traveling eastbound. Following the accident, both drivers were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Unfortunately, Mallet succumbed to her injuries at Coastal Carolina Hospital approximately 40 minutes after the crash. The driver of the Acura was also hospitalized, but their condition has not been disclosed.
The collision is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP). This incident marks the 15th highway fatality in Beaufort County for the year 2025. Notably, it is the fifth fatality that has occurred specifically on US 278 in 2025.
In the context of roadway safety, the number of deaths in Beaufort County has occurred at a slower rate compared to the previous year, 2024, which reported 19 fatalities by September. Authorities and community members are increasingly concerned about the safety measures in place to prevent such tragic incidents.
Collision Details
The collision on Saturday involved two vehicles: a 2014 Nissan Sentra driven by Margaret Mallet and a 2015 Acura. The scenario unfolded when both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions on US 278, leading to a devastating impact.
Impact on the Community
The loss of Margaret Mallet has left a deep impact on the Bluffton community and highlights ongoing concerns regarding traffic safety on US 278. As the SCHP continues its investigation, local residents await further updates on improved measures to ensure safer roadways.
Statistics on Roadway Fatalities
As of 2025, Beaufort County has seen 15 highway fatalities, with a specific emphasis on US 278, which has experienced five deaths this year alone. This statistic serves as a wake-up call to both authorities and the public regarding roadway safety and the need for reform.
Trends and Comparisons
Comparatively, the rate of roadway deaths in Beaufort County has slowed significantly compared to the previous year. In 2024, there were 19 reported fatalities by September, indicating a possible trend towards increased safety awareness and enforcement.
Call to Action
In light of this tragic incident, community leaders are encouraged to engage with local governance on measures that could enhance road safety and prevent future accidents.
Conclusion
The sudden loss of Margaret Mallet emphasizes the vulnerability of drivers on busy highways and the importance of remaining vigilant. As investigations continue, the hope is for updates that may lead to more effective safety initiatives on Beaufort County roads.
FAQ
Who was the victim of the recent collision in Beaufort County?
The victim was an 81-year-old woman named Margaret Mallet from Bluffton.
What happened during the collision?
The collision occurred on US 278 at the intersection with Sun City Boulevard around 10:12 a.m. Margaret Mallet was driving a 2014 Nissan Sentra when her vehicle collided with a 2015 Acura traveling eastbound.
What were the consequences of the crash?
Maggie Mallet succumbed to her injuries at Coastal Carolina Hospital approximately 40 minutes after the crash, while the driver of the Acura was also hospitalized.
How is the incident being addressed by authorities?
The crash is being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).
How many fatalities have there been on highways in Beaufort County in 2025?
This incident marks the 15th highway fatality in Beaufort County for the year 2025.
What is the significance of US 278 in relation to roadway fatalities?
This incident is the fifth fatality that has occurred specifically on US 278 in 2025.
How does this year’s fatality rate compare to last year’s?
Roadway deaths in Beaufort County have occurred at a slower rate compared to the previous year, 2024, when there were 19 reported fatalities by September.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bluffton Law Enforcement Agencies Launch Operation Safe Drive 278
Operation Safe Drive 278 to Enhance Traffic Safety in Beaufort
Fatal Collision at Sun City Boulevard Claims One Life
Deadly Vehicle Crash in Okatie, South Carolina
Fatal Collision in Beaufort County Claims One Life
Fatal Collision on U.S. Highway 278 in Beaufort County
Fatal Crash Investigation in Beaufort, South Carolina
University of South Carolina Enhances Campus Safety and Embraces AI
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Beaufort County
Pedestrian Injured in Downtown Beaufort Collision
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Traffic safety
- ABC News 4
- Google Search: Beaufort County traffic accidents
- WSAV News
- Google Scholar: Road traffic fatalities
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic safety
- Live 5 News Video
- Google News: Beaufort County collisions
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.
