July 24, 2025

Major Multi-Vehicle Collision Claims Two Lives and Injures 26 in Colleton County

News Summary

A major multi-vehicle collision on I-95 in Colleton County resulted in two fatalities and 26 injuries. The incident, involving a chain reaction of vehicles, was exacerbated by severe weather conditions. Rescue operations continued into the night as several individuals were trapped and multiple ambulances were deployed. Traffic was heavily impacted, with the highway closed for hours and significant congestion reported in surrounding counties.

Colleton County, SC – Major Multi-Vehicle Collision Claims Two Lives and Injures 26

Two people died, and 26 others were injured in a significant multi-vehicle collision on I-95 southbound in Colleton County on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) confirmed the fatalities, which resulted from a chain reaction involving multiple personal and commercial vehicles.

The collision unfolded around 4:30 p.m. near mile marker 41, less than a mile north of the Yemassee town limits. Coroner Richard Harvey has since identified the deceased victims. Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, leading to an overnight shutdown of the southbound lanes of I-95, with traffic being redirected through Yemassee.

Details of the Collision

This tragic incident involved two separate collisions. The first was a crash that involved three vehicles, including a commercial motor vehicle. In this incident, one person was subsequently hospitalized. Shortly after, a second, more severe collision occurred, which involved 13 vehicles. This chain reaction included six commercial vehicles and led to significant injuries; nine individuals required transportation to local hospitals.

Severe weather conditions appeared to be a contributing factor. Witnesses reported near-zero visibility due to a heavy thunderstorm at the time of the crashes. The second collision, which happened on the Combahee River bridge, resulted in extensive damage, with vehicles piling on top of one another, complicating rescue efforts. Notably, one semi-truck was carrying sheets of plate glass, spilling its cargo and creating a hazardous scene with broken glass covering the area up to two feet deep in spots.

Rescue Operations and Injuries

More than two dozen individuals were reported injured, with four individuals trapped in their vehicles as rescue units worked tirelessly to reach them. Colleton County Fire-Rescue deployed five ambulances, while additional resources were sent from surrounding counties such as Hampton and Jasper. Notably, heavy rain precluded the use of medical helicopters for emergencies.

Among the injured, three people sustained serious injuries, and one required advanced airway procedures at the Trauma Center at MUSC in Charleston. The response effort was complicated by the difficult conditions, with emergency responders needing to navigate around the wrecked vehicles and shattered glass scattered throughout the area.

Traffic Impact and Investigation

The highway remained closed for approximately 11 hours while cleanup crews worked on the scene, finally reopening around 3 a.m. Wednesday. Traffic was heavily congested, particularly affecting commuters traveling through Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton counties. By 8 a.m. on Wednesday, the highway was reported to be flowing normally once again.

The SCHP and the Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team are currently investigating both collisions to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to this devastating event.

This major collision serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of inclement weather conditions, especially on busy highways. As authorities continue their investigation, the community mourns the loss of life and rallies to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.