News Summary
A tragic six-vehicle crash in Bluffton, South Carolina resulted in the death of local resident Juan Tahual-Lopez, 43. The incident occurred at the intersection of U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle, severely injuring several others. As the South Carolina Highway Patrol investigates, community members mourn the loss and reflect on the importance of road safety in the region.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Fatal Six-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Local Man
A fatal crash involving six vehicles occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the intersection of U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle in Bluffton, South Carolina. The tragic incident resulted in the death of 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez and left several others injured.
The collision involved three vehicles traveling west on U.S. 278—specifically a 2019 Ford pickup truck, a 2015 Lexus sedan, and a 2017 Toyota pickup truck—and three vehicles heading east, which included a 2019 Nissan sedan, a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck, and a 2024 Toyota van. Eyewitness reports indicated that the Ford pickup truck collided with two westbound vehicles before crossing the median and crashing into the eastbound Nissan and Chevrolet trucks. The Toyota van subsequently struck both the Ford and Chevrolet.
Juan Tahual-Lopez, who was driving the Chevrolet truck, suffered fatal blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was known in the community as a dedicated family man and a father of four. Following the crash, three other individuals, including the driver of the Ford truck and a passenger, were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Additionally, the driver of the Nissan sedan also sustained injuries and required hospitalization.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Deputy Chief Adam Corn of local traffic operations expressed condolences to the families affected by the incident. Significant delays were caused along U.S. 278 as traffic operations were conducted; the eastbound lanes were closed from approximately 12:40 p.m. until 5:20 p.m., leading to substantial backup. Drivers were advised to utilize Buckwalter Parkway as an alternate route during this time.
Background Context on Road Safety
In 2024, local authorities reported a troubling total of 26 fatalities on Beaufort County roadways. Contributing factors identified in previous fatal crashes in the area have included speeding and instances of drivers operating vehicles on the wrong side of the street. The SCHP continues to monitor traffic conditions and accidents to enhance road safety initiatives and reduce the occurrence of such tragic incidents.
As the investigation progresses, the Bluffton community is reminded of the importance of road safety and obeying traffic regulations to prevent future tragedies. The outpouring of condolences for Tahual-Lopez underscores the impact of this incident on family, friends, and the broader community.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Fatal Collision in Bluffton
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WTOC: One Person Dead After Bluffton Crash
- Google Search: Bluffton Car Crash
- WSAV: Fatality Confirmed in Bluffton Accident
- Google Scholar: Road Safety
- WJCL: Traffic Gridlock Following Bluffton Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Accident
- MSN: SC Highway Patrol Investigates Fatal Bluffton Crash
- Google News: Bluffton Traffic Accidents
