Response teams attending to the aftermath of a six-vehicle collision in Bluffton.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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