News Summary
A tragic six-vehicle accident in Bluffton has resulted in the death of Juan Tahual-Lopez, a 43-year-old from Beaufort. The collision, which occurred near the intersection of U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle, involved multiple cars and left several others injured. Emergency services transported three individuals to a local hospital as authorities continue to investigate. This incident raises alarming concerns about roadway safety in Beaufort County, which has seen an increase in traffic fatalities this year.
Bluffton
Juan Tahual-Lopez, a 43-year-old man from Beaufort, has been identified as the victim in a tragic six-vehicle collision that occurred on May 19, 2025. Tahual-Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which took place around 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle in Bluffton due to blunt force injuries.
The collision involved multiple vehicles, with Tahual-Lopez driving a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck as the sole occupant. The incident began when a 2019 Ford pickup truck traveling west struck both a 2015 Lexus sedan and a 2017 Toyota pickup truck. The Ford crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic, resulting in collisions with an eastbound 2019 Nissan sedan and another 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck. A 2024 Toyota van further compounded the situation by striking both the Ford pickup and the Chevrolet pickup.
In total, 10 occupants were involved in the crash. Emergency services responded promptly, transporting three individuals to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. The severity of the incident led to the closure of all eastbound lanes of U.S. 278 for several hours until approximately 5:15 p.m. Authorities advised drivers to use Buckwalter Parkway as an alternate route during the investigation.
This collision contributes to a growing concern about roadway safety in Beaufort County, where there have been 26 fatalities reported in 2024 alone. Authorities note that common causes of fatal crashes in the area include drivers running off the road, exceeding the speed limit, and traveling on the wrong side of the road.
Emergency Response
Initial reports indicated the involvement of multiple vehicles and the possibility of entrapment, prompting a significant response from local fire and emergency services. Firefighters arrived on the scene to provide medical treatment to several individuals before transferring their care to emergency medical services. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Community Impact
The accident has raised concerns among local residents about traffic safety in the region. With the number of fatalities increasing this year, the community is left to grapple with the impact of such crashes. Local authorities are expected to reaffirm their commitment to enhancing roadway safety through education and enforcement measures in an effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Juan Tahual-Lopez while remaining hopeful for improvements in road safety. Traffic patterns and driver habits will likely be scrutinized in the wake of this tragic event, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Six-Vehicle Accident on U.S. 278 Leaves One Dead, Three Injured
One Dead, Three Injured in Six-Vehicle Crash in Bluffton
Driver Rescued After Collision in Heavy Rain
Beaufort Port Royal Fire Department Achieves ISO Class 1 Rating
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Island Packet
- Bluffton Today
- WTOC
- WSAV
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: Bluffton traffic accident
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Google News: Beaufort County traffic fatalities
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.
