A Calm After the Flames
On the early morning of Saturday, June 14, 2025, residents and commuters near Aiken County, South Carolina, awoke to a terrifying sight. The I-20 tanker crash in Aiken County involved a fuel truck carrying approximately 8,500 gallons of flammable liquid, which had crashed under the Old Vaucluse Road overpass bridge on Interstate 20 (I-20), triggering a fiery crash that sent flames into the sky and ultimately caused the bridge structure to collapse.
Miraculously, while the fire was intense and the structural damage severe, no lives were lost. Two individuals were hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening, and by Sunday afternoon ,less than 36 hours later ,Interstate 20 was reopened to traffic. This swift reopening speaks volumes about the major emergency response effort, coordination, and determination of emergency crews, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and other local authorities.
In this blog, we break down what happened, how demolition crews responded so rapidly, and what legal concerns may arise from such an incident ,especially for victims, first responders, and businesses disrupted by the event.
What Exactly Happened on Interstate 20?
The Crash
Around 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, a fuel truck crash occurred on Interstate 20 early June 14, involving a tanker truck traveling eastbound. It struck the support columns of the overpass bridge near Exit 18, causing an explosion. The resulting fiery aftermath was so intense it weakened the bridge structure, leading to a full bridge collapse at the 13-mile marker.
Immediate Effects
The crash forced the closure of Interstate 20 in both directions between Bettis Academy Road and Edgefield Highway. Commuters were diverted via detour routes near Exit 11 and Exit 18 with detour signs posted and a detour road map shared publicly.
Despite the destruction, firefighters acted quickly. Two individuals were hospitalized, and multiple fire departments ,including the GVW Fire Department and Warrenville Fire Department ,responded with urgency. According to Charles , Chief of the GVW Fire Department, nearly 10,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the flames.
The Emergency Response
Firefighting and Containment
Responders from across South Carolina, including Sage Mill, Belvedere, and other agencies, converged on the scene. The flames from the fuel truck were visible from the Georgia-South Carolina state line, triggering alerts across multiple jurisdictions.
Structural Collapse and Safety Measures
The bridge structure collapsed shortly after impact. Inspectors from the South Carolina Department of Transportation arrived within hours and declared the bridge structure a total loss. Fortunately, crews were already on standby due to similar risks seen a month earlier at I-20 and Columbia Highway, where a chemical spill had shut down lanes for hours.
Rapid Reopening: How Did Crews Do It?
Overnight Cleanup
Less than hours after the bridge collapsed, bridge demolition began. Demolition crews cleared debris and completed milling and paving operations by Sunday afternoon. The update after the bridge collapsed was shared during an afternoon news conference, confirming that both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 20 had reopened.
Guardrail and Road Repairs
The repair efforts included full resurfacing, road crews replacing barriers, and verifying mile markers and structural integrity near Exit 11. Safety assessments ensured that detoured traffic could return by using notice from Exit signs along the interstate for miles.
The Legal Road Ahead
For Victims and Passengers
Those injured in the fiery tanker crash may have grounds to file injury claims, especially if the sequence of events reveals fault on the part of the driver or trucking company.
For Businesses and Responders
Local establishments and logistics providers near Deans Bridge Road and North Augusta likely suffered economic impacts. Legal remedies for lost revenue due to road closures and patience during detours may be an option depending on contractual terms and insurance coverage.
Responders like those from River City Fire Department and Marty Sawyer’s coordination units may also require representation for workplace exposure.
Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and Aiken County Sheriff’s Office are still piecing together the sequence of events. The full original story may reveal issues related to truck maintenance, driver fatigue, or roadway conditions. Until then, potential civil claims will remain under review.
Ted Law Firm Can Help You
At Ted Law Firm, we understand how deeply events like the I-20 bridge collapse affect individuals, families, and businesses. The incident on Interstate 20 is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change ,and why having the right legal help matters.
Whether you were injured, displaced, or economically harmed by the fiery crash, we’re here to provide the clarity and support you need. At Ted Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys help accident victims navigate accident lawsuits effectively. We protect your rights against insurance companies and ensure compliance with South Carolina’s legal time frame for filing deadlines.
Ted Law Firm proudly stands with injured pedestrians and their families throughout Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Aiken, and Myrtle Beach ,fighting for justice across South Carolina and Georgia. If a serious pedestrian accident has disrupted your life, you can count on Ted Law Firm for compassionate guidance and strong legal support every step of the way.
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.
