Beaufort County, January 18, 2026
A severe collision on Bluffton Parkway in Beaufort County resulted in the death of a driver after being ejected from their Ford Mustang and struck by an oncoming SUV. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances of the accident which raises ongoing concerns about road safety in the region, where traffic fatalities remain a critical issue.
Beaufort
A tragic incident occurred on Bluffton Parkway in Beaufort County on Saturday afternoon, January 17, 2026, resulting in the death of a driver following a severe collision. The driver was ejected from their vehicle and subsequently struck by another car, sustaining fatal injuries. Law enforcement is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The fatal collision took place around 12:49 p.m. near the intersection of Bluffton Parkway and Soperton Drive. Authorities reported that a Ford Mustang, which was traveling eastbound, veered off the road. The vehicle then struck the median and subsequently a tree. The impact caused the driver to be ejected from the Mustang into the westbound lanes of the parkway. Tragically, an oncoming Genesis SUV then struck the ejected driver, leading to their immediate fatal injuries.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is leading the investigation into the crash to determine its cause. As of the latest reports, no other injuries were reported from the incident. The identity of the deceased driver has not yet been publicly released by the Beaufort County Coroner’s office, pending notification of next of kin.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding road safety in the region. Traffic fatalities remain a significant issue across South Carolina. The state ranked second in the nation for traffic deaths last year. This statistic has prompted warnings from experts about its potential impact on auto insurance costs statewide. Various local and state agencies continue to advocate for increased driver awareness and adherence to traffic laws to mitigate such tragedies. Investigations like this one are crucial for understanding the contributing factors to serious collisions and for informing future safety measures.
Key Details of the Incident
The crash involved two vehicles: a Ford Mustang and a Genesis SUV. The Mustang was traveling eastbound when it departed the roadway, colliding first with the median and then a tree. The driver’s ejection into the westbound lanes and subsequent impact with the SUV resulted in the fatality. The area around Bluffton Parkway at Soperton Drive was the immediate scene of the accident.
Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation. Their work typically involves examining vehicle damage, collecting witness statements, analyzing road conditions, and reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the crash. The objective is to understand all factors involved, which can include speed, driver impairment, distracted driving, or mechanical failure. The Beaufort County Coroner’s office plays a crucial role in identifying the deceased and officially confirming the cause of death.
Traffic Safety in South Carolina
The state has been grappling with a high rate of traffic fatalities. This alarming trend underscores the importance of public awareness campaigns about safe driving practices, including wearing seatbelts, observing speed limits, avoiding impaired driving, and eliminating distractions behind the wheel. State-level initiatives often focus on enforcement, education, and engineering improvements to roadways to enhance safety for all motorists.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the fatal crash on Bluffton Parkway occur?
The fatal crash on Bluffton Parkway occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 17, 2026, around 12:49 p.m.
Where did the crash take place?
The crash took place on Bluffton Parkway near the intersection of Bluffton Parkway and Soperton Drive in Beaufort County.
What vehicles were involved in the accident?
The accident involved a Ford Mustang and a Genesis SUV.
What was the outcome of the crash?
One driver was killed after being ejected from their vehicle and subsequently struck by an oncoming SUV. No other injuries were reported.
Who is investigating the crash?
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is investigating the crash.
Has the identity of the deceased driver been released?
The name of the deceased driver has not yet been publicly released by the Beaufort County Coroner’s office.
Key Incident Features
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | January 17, 2026 | Local |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 12:49 p.m. | Local |
| Location | Bluffton Parkway at Soperton Drive, Beaufort County | Local |
| Vehicles Involved | Ford Mustang, Genesis SUV | Local |
| Fatalities | 1 (driver of the Mustang) | Local |
| Injuries | None reported for others | Local |
| Investigating Agency | South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) | State-level |
| Deceased Identity Status | Not yet released by Beaufort County Coroner | Local |
| South Carolina Traffic Deaths Ranking | Ranked second in the country last year | State-level |
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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.
