News Summary
A serious highway accident on US Highway 278 and White Oak Circle resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The collision involved six vehicles, with one driver succumbing to injuries at the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident, emphasizing road safety as summer travel increases.
Beaufort, SC – A tragic highway accident in Beaufort County on May 19, 2024, resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The collision, which involved six vehicles, occurred around 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of US Highway 278 and White Oak Circle.
The crash began when a 2019 Ford pickup truck collided with a 2015 Lexus sedan and a 2017 Toyota pickup, all traveling west on US Highway 278. Following the initial impact, the Ford pickup crossed the center line into eastbound traffic, colliding head-on with a 2019 Nissan sedan and a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck. The incident concluded when a 2024 Toyota van struck both the Ford pickup and the Chevrolet pickup.
Juan Tahual-Lopez, 43, of Beaufort, was the driver of the 2006 Chevrolet truck and tragically sustained fatal injuries, dying at the scene. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the cause of death was blunt force injuries sustained in the accident. The driver and front seat passenger of the Ford pickup truck were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries, while the back seat passenger was uninjured. The driver of the Nissan sedan, who was the sole occupant, was also taken to the hospital for treatment, though details on his condition remain unclear. Fortunately, the other drivers and passengers involved in the collision did not sustain any injuries.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Multiple emergency response agencies, including the Bluffton Township Fire District, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and South Carolina Highway Patrol, were dispatched to the scene. Reports indicated that the crash resulted in a complex situation, with several heavily damaged vehicles blocking multiple travel lanes.
Firefighters were on-site to provide initial medical treatment to three individuals before transferring care to Beaufort County EMS. They also worked to extricate individuals who were trapped inside their vehicles due to the severity of the collision. In light of the accident, Bluffton Township Fire District is emphasizing the importance of safe driving habits, including adhering to speed limits and avoiding distractions, particularly as the busy summer travel season approaches.
The intersection of US Highway 278 and White Oak Circle is known for its heavy traffic, especially during peak travel periods. Authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant on the road and to exercise caution, as the increased volume of motorists can lead to more hazardous conditions.
This tragic accident highlights the importance of road safety and the devastating impact that severe collisions can have on individuals and families. Investigations by local authorities are ongoing to determine the specific causes of the crash and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, community members are reminded to drive responsibly and consider the safety of all road users. The thoughts of the community are with the family of Juan Tahual-Lopez and everyone affected by this unfortunate event.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- Bluffton Today
- Google Search: Beaufort traffic accident
- Explore Beaufort SC
- Google Scholar: Road Safety Statistics
- Southern Living
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
