News Summary
A severe six-vehicle collision in Bluffton has resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The crash, involving a Ford truck and several other vehicles, occurred at the busy intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and White Oak Circle. Emergency services arrived promptly, but the driver of the Chevrolet truck succumbed to injuries at the scene. Three others were hospitalized for treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause and emphasize the importance of road safety, especially at intersections.
Bluffton
A six-vehicle collision on May 19 around 12:30 p.m. in Bluffton has resulted in one death and sent three others to the hospital. The incident occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and White Oak Circle and involved multiple vehicles.
Fatality and Injuries
The driver who lost his life in the crash has been identified as Juan Tahual-Lopez, a 43-year-old resident of Beaufort. He succumbed to blunt force injuries at the scene, as confirmed by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office. In addition to Tahual-Lopez, three other individuals were injured and subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Details of the Collision
Involved in the collision were a 2019 Ford truck, a 2015 Lexus Sedan, a 2017 Toyota truck, a 2019 Nissan Sedan, a 2006 Chevrolet truck, and a 2024 Toyota van. The sequence of events began when the Ford truck, traveling west on Highway 278, struck the Lexus and Toyota. After the initial collision, the Ford truck crossed into the eastbound lane, colliding with both the Nissan and Chevrolet trucks.
The driver of the Chevrolet truck, the sole occupant of that vehicle, sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the Nissan Sedan was also the only occupant of that vehicle and was taken to the hospital for injuries. The Ford truck had three occupants, two of whom were injured and taken to the hospital, while the back seat passenger was unharmed. The Toyota van, which had four occupants, also collided with the Ford and Chevrolet trucks, but fortunately, none of its occupants were injured.
Emergency Response
Firefighters from the Bluffton Township Fire District, along with Beaufort County EMS and the Bluffton Police Department, responded to the scene to provide initial medical treatment, given the complexity of the situation. Initial reports indicated the possibility of entrapment, but upon arrival, fire crews confirmed no one was trapped in the vehicles.
All eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 278 were closed for approximately five hours due to the crash, causing significant traffic delays in the area.
Investigation and Safety Recommendations
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the accident. In light of this tragic incident, officials are urging drivers to remain vigilant, follow speed limits, and approach intersections with caution, particularly as the summer travel season approaches.
This incident highlights the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution, especially at busy intersections where multiple vehicles converge.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Six-Vehicle Collision Claims Life in Bluffton
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Wikipedia: Road safety
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: traffic safety
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: road traffic accidents
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic accidents
- WJCL
- Google News: Bluffton traffic accident
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.
