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Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crashes Claim Lives in Bluffton

Emergency services respond to a car accident on U.S. 278 in Bluffton.

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.