News Summary
Beaufort County is experiencing significant traffic disruptions due to a serious accident on Robert Smalls Parkway that has blocked all westbound lanes. The incident, which occurred near Nova Drive, has led to diversions for motorists. Additionally, a fatal crash on US 278 claimed one life earlier in the morning. Concerns over road safety are growing as recent statistics indicate an uptick in fatal accidents in the area, prompting local authorities to monitor conditions closely.
Beaufort County, SC
A serious accident on Robert Smalls Parkway has resulted in significant traffic disruptions in Beaufort County, blocking all westbound lanes. According to reports from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred near Nova Drive, impacting both westbound and left eastbound lanes. As a result, Beaufort Police have reported that westbound traffic is being diverted to Burton Hill Road. Motorists are advised to expect delays and proceed with caution in the affected area.
In a separate incident earlier that morning, a fatal crash on US 278 near Museum Street in Hilton Head claimed one life. The crash took place around 1:30 a.m. on Monday involving a 2006 Toyota sedan, which veered off the road and collided with a tree. The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene, though their identity has not been made public as the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is still in the process of notifying next of kin.
This latest incident follows a troubling trend of fatal accidents in Beaufort County. On June 7, another collision resulted in one death and three injuries when a Ford sedan, occupied by four individuals, collided with a Ford truck. This crash occurred around 5:30 p.m., approximately 13 miles from Beaufort. The Ford sedan was traveling east on Highway 170 when the truck attempted to turn left onto Callawassie Drive. The driver of the sedan was declared dead at the scene, while three passengers were transported to Savannah Memorial Hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck, who was alone in the vehicle, did not sustain any injuries.
Additionally, a boating accident on June 27 in Skull Creek resulted in two fatalities, with two others hospitalized. This incident took place around 9:45 p.m. EDT and involved four victims who were found on a single vessel. Investigations into these various incidents are currently underway, with oversight from both the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has indicated that they will release the names of the deceased individuals once notifications have been completed for their family members. Such tragic events contribute to a broader concern regarding safety on the roads and waterways in South Carolina, where SCDNR data shows that the state experienced 23 boating fatalities from 150 boating accidents in 2023, a slight increase from 22 fatalities in the previous year.
As traffic regulations and safety measures are evaluated, local authorities continue to monitor conditions closely. The recent uptick in accidents underscores the importance of remaining vigilant while traveling, whether on the road or enjoying recreational boating in the beautiful waters of Beaufort County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Safety Concerns Rise in Beaufort County After Fatal Incidents
Major Multi-Vehicle Collision Claims Two Lives and Injures 26 in Colleton County
Driver Killed in Collision with Tree on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort Fire Alarm at Hospital Activated, No Smoke Found
Fatal Collision in Hilton Head Claims Driver’s Life
Fatal Car Crash on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Two Lives Near Hilton Head Island
Fatal Crash on US 278 in Hilton Head
Beaufort County to Begin Daytime Road Resurfacing and Improvements
Beaufort County Advances U.S. 278 Corridor Project Funding
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Accident on Robert Smalls Parkway
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- WJCL: One Dead in Early Morning Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort County
- ABC News 4: One Dead, Three Injured in Beaufort County Crash
- Google News: Beaufort County accidents
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.
