News Summary
A fatal accident involving two pickup trucks on U.S. 278 in Bluffton resulted in one death and injuries to others. Following the crash early in the morning, traffic delays ensued as emergency services attended to the scene. Another collision occurred later at the same location, leading to one more fatality and further injuries. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating both incidents, raising concerns about road safety in the area.
Bluffton
One person has died following a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 278 (Fording Island Road) in Bluffton early in the morning of July 28, 2025. The incident occurred just before 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 278 and John Smith Lane, specifically affecting the westbound lanes.
According to Eydie Moody, a spokesperson for the Bluffton Police Department, the crash involved two pickup trucks: a Ford F-150 and a Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Following the initial collision, emergency responders transported one individual to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. As of now, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has not released the identity of the deceased.
In response to the crash, the westbound lanes of U.S. 278 were closed for an extended period, resulting in traffic being redirected through Buckwalter Parkway and Buck Island Road. The closure lasted from approximately 6:30 a.m. until about 9:45 a.m., causing significant delay for morning commuters.
In a separate incident later that same day, around 12:40 p.m., another crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. 278 and Rose Hill Way, involving six vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that three vehicles were traveling west, and three were headed east when the crash took place. A Ford pickup truck collided with two vehicles traveling west before crossing the median and impacting a Nissan sedan and a Chevrolet truck heading east.
A Toyota van subsequently collided with both the Ford truck and the Chevrolet truck involved in the earlier crash sequence. The driver of the Chevrolet truck, identified as Juan Tahual-Lopez by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, suffered fatal blunt force injuries. He has been remembered as a devoted husband and father of four. A GoFundMe has been established to assist his family during this difficult time.
The drivers of the Ford pickup truck and the Nissan sedan sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for further treatment. After the incidents, it was reported that others involved in the crashes did not suffer any injuries.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating all aspects of both crashes to determine the cause and understand the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. The lane closures resulting from the second collision were in effect from approximately 12:40 p.m. until 5:20 p.m., contributing to traffic challenges in the area.
This series of incidents on July 28 has raised concerns about road safety on U.S. 278, a major thoroughfare in Bluffton. Community members and local authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and remaining vigilant while traveling, particularly during busy hours of the day.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL News
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WSAV News
- Google Search: Bluffton traffic accident
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Traffic safety in Bluffton
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- Live 5 News
- Google News: Beaufort County traffic incidents
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
