News Summary
A series of recent traffic incidents on Interstate 26 in South Carolina have resulted in delays and fatalities. The latest incidents include a four-car collision and a fatal crash involving a tractor-trailer and an SUV, prompting concerns about road safety in the state. With a significant increase in road fatalities reported this year, officials emphasize the need for vigilant driving to enhance highway safety.
Columbia, S.C. – A series of traffic incidents on Interstate 26 have resulted in significant delays and casualties this week, contributing to an ongoing concern over road safety in South Carolina.
On Tuesday at around 9:20 a.m., a four-car collision occurred on I-26 East near Piney Grove Road in Columbia. The incident caused severe traffic slowdowns that lasted for approximately one hour before conditions improved. Reports indicate that minor injuries were sustained in this crash, although no further details have been provided regarding those involved.
The situation worsened later in the day due to another crash at Exit 113, which connects to SC 302 and is near the Columbia Airport and Cayce. This incident was reported at 3:41 p.m. on Memorial Day. All lanes were initially blocked, but they began to reopen by 5 p.m., allowing traffic to return to normal by 5:30 p.m. Currently, the cause of this accident and the extent of any injuries it may have caused remain unclear.
In a separate incident early Wednesday morning, a fatal crash occurred on I-26 in Spartanburg County, involving a tractor-trailer and an SUV. Mariah Smith-Ramos, a 26-year-old from Darlington, lost her life in this tragic accident, which transpired at approximately 3:05 a.m. on the eastbound side of I-26 at the 122 mile marker. Eyewitness reports indicated that her Toyota sedan collided with the rear of a 1983 Mack truck. Fortunately, the truck driver was unharmed, and no other injuries were reported. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the collision.
As of Sunday, South Carolina has reported a troubling increase in road fatalities for the year 2025, with 278 deaths recorded so far. This figure follows a total of 948 fatalities reported in 2024, indicating a persistent trend of dangerous driving conditions within the state. The accident involving Smith-Ramos marks the first fatal crash in Calhoun County for 2025; last year, the area recorded six road deaths.
Traffic safety advocates are increasingly concerned about the high rate of accidents on South Carolina highways. Contributing factors often include distracted driving, high-speed collisions, and adverse weather conditions. As the state continues to grapple with the implications of these incidents, officials urge drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to enhance highway safety.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation, along with local authorities, emphasizes the importance of safe driving practices. The ongoing monitoring of traffic incidents aims to develop strategies that could help reduce the alarming rates of collisions on highways across the state.
As investigations continue into the latest accidents on Interstate 26, authorities are reminding the public to stay informed about traffic conditions and to take necessary precautions while on the road.
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: 4-Car Crash Causes Slowdowns on I-26
- WLTX: Crash on I-26 East Snarls Traffic
- WYFF: Deadly Crash on I-26 in Spartanburg County
- ABC News 4: State Rep. Wendell Gilliard Involved in Crash on I-26
- Post and Courier: Interstate 26 Crash in Dorchester
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: Traffic Safety South Carolina
- Google News: I-26 Crash
- Google Scholar: Road Safety South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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