On Tuesday, July 23, tragedy struck Interstate 95 near the 40-mile marker southbound, just north of Yemassee, South Carolina, when two high-speed crashes involving 14 vehicles unfolded during a heavy thunderstorm. The pileup left two people dead, 26 injured, and shut down I-95 southbound for over 11 hours.
Severe Weather and Zero Visibility Led to Chaos
The collisions occurred on a bridge over the Combahee River in Colleton County, where motorists reported near-zero visibility due to the storm. According to witnesses, the first crash took place just south of the bridge, triggering a chain reaction as traffic slowed. Moments later, a second, more destructive collision occurred on the bridge itself this time involving six tractor trailers, six passenger cars, and two pickup trucks.
Among the cargo was a semi-truck carrying sheets of plate glass, which shattered across the roadway creating a dangerous scene where rescue workers had to navigate piles of glass up to two feet deep.
Heroic Emergency Response
Colleton County Fire-Rescue, supported by agencies from Hampton County, Jasper County, and the SC Highway Patrol, responded with urgency. Despite blocked lanes and significant traffic delays, emergency teams rerouted through Yemassee and accessed the scene by driving north in the southbound lanes from Exit 38.
- Five Colleton County ambulances, multiple fire units, and mutual aid ambulances were deployed.
- Two individuals were confirmed dead at the scene.
- Four victims were trapped in the wreckage, requiring extrication.
- A total of 26 patients were evaluated, with 13 transported to hospitals in Charleston, Savannah, Colleton County, and Beaufort.
- 13 others were treated at the scene.
One individual, attempting to escape his vehicle, fell from the bridge into the Combahee River. Miraculously, he survived with non-life-threatening injuries and swam to safety.
Lives Saved Through Coordinated Rescue Efforts
Firefighter-paramedics performed two complex extrications simultaneously, spending 35 minutes removing a man pinned in a compact car buried beneath wreckage. That patient was flown to MUSC in Charleston. Another truck driver, whose cab was demolished, was transported to Memorial Hospital in Savannah.
Civilians on the scene stepped up to assist, including one man who climbed the wreckage to identify the most critical injuries and guided responders. 911 dispatchers coordinated an enormous effort, ensuring resources arrived as quickly as possible under extremely difficult conditions.
Aftermath and Road Closures
- The southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for 11 hours as crews cleared wreckage, broken glass, and debris.
- SCDOT detoured traffic at Exit 42 (Lowcountry Hwy/US Hwy 21), with help from the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office.
- The highway was reopened at 3:00 a.m. Wednesday.
- The crash is under investigation by the SC Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, and MAIT (Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team).
What This Means for Victims and Their Families
This devastating crash is a reminder of the danger of driving in extreme weather and the chaos that can unfold in seconds. For the injured and the families of those who lost their lives, the path to recovery will be long, and accountability matters.
At Ted Law Firm, we help victims of catastrophic accidents pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Wrongful death and funeral expenses
If you or a loved one was impacted by this tragic event or any other highway accident in South Carolina, we’re here to help.
Talk to a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t face the aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash alone. Whether you were a victim or lost a loved one, our team is here to provide the answers, support, and legal guidance you need. Call Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients across South Carolina and Georgia, including Athens, Macon, Charleston, and the entire I-95 corridor. You don’t pay unless we win.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
