News Summary
A tow-behind car hauler accident caused significant delays on U.S. 278 in Beaufort, SC, leading to lane closures and traffic diversions. The incident, which resulted in no injuries, was indicative of ongoing safety concerns along this heavily trafficked route, where recent fatal collisions have raised alarms among local authorities.
Beaufort, SC – All eastbound lanes of U.S. 278 were reopened as of 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, following the closure that resulted from a tow-behind car hauler accident. The accident caused the car hauler to overturn on the overpass that crosses S.C. 170, resulting in significant traffic delays in the surrounding area.
The incident was reported around noon by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, who indicated that no injuries were known at that time. Drivers were advised to use Okatie Highway as an alternate route to avoid the congested areas. By 12:50 p.m., traffic impediments were evident, with backups extending west into Hardeeville and east nearing the limits of Bluffton. Additionally, the on-ramp from S.C. 170 to Fording Island Road was closed, further contributing to the slow-moving traffic on Okatie Highway.
The accident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers motorists face on U.S. 278, especially in light of recent fatal incidents. On May 19, a six-car collision at U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle resulted in the death of Juan Tahual-Lopez, 43. This crash involved three vehicles heading west and three heading east. The sequence of events began when a Ford pickup collided with a Lexus sedan and a Toyota pickup, crossing the median and impacting two more vehicles, including the Chevrolet pickup driven by Tahual-Lopez. He succumbed to blunt force injuries as a result of the crashes with the Ford and another vehicle.
The investigation into this fatal multi-car collision is being conducted by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, which is collecting evidence and statements from those involved. As authorities continue to assess the details of this tragic event, residents are urged to remain cautious while driving in the area where the accidents have occurred.
In a separate incident earlier last week, a collision occurred involving a bicyclist at approximately 8:32 p.m. on Friday, on U.S. 278 at Gateway Village Road. A 2019 Honda Accord, containing two occupants, was traveling west when a bicyclist attempted to cross U.S. 278 from Gateway Village Road. The collision resulted in the bicyclist’s death at the scene, while the occupants of the Honda were unharmed. The identity of the deceased bicyclist has not yet been disclosed by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.
These incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns on U.S. 278 and surrounding roads, particularly at overpasses and intersections where vehicle interactions are frequent. Authorities are actively investigating to determine the causes of these collisions and to implement potential safety measures to protect public safety. Updates regarding these ongoing investigations will be provided as more information becomes available.
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One Dead, Three Injured in Six-Vehicle Crash in Bluffton
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Traffic Incident on U.S. 278
- Wikipedia: U.S. Route 278
- ABC News 4: Fatal Six-Car Crash in Beaufort County
- Google Search: U.S. 278 Traffic Accidents
- Live 5 News: Bicyclist Collision in Beaufort County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WTOC: Bicyclist Killed on U.S. 278
- Google News: Bicyclist Killed U.S. 278
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.
