14-Vehicle Crash on I-95 Leaves Two Dead, 26 Injured Near Yemassee, SC

On Tuesday, July 23, a tragic incident occurred on Interstate 95 near the 40-mile marker southbound, just north of Yemassee, South Carolina. Two high-speed crashes involved 14 vehicles during a heavy thunderstorm. As a result, the pileup killed two people and injured 26 others. It also shut down I-95 southbound for more than 11 hours.

Severe Weather and Zero Visibility Led to Chaos

The collisions happened on a bridge over the Combahee River in Colleton County. At the time, drivers reported near-zero visibility due to the storm. According to witnesses, the first crash occurred just south of the bridge. Consequently, it triggered a chain reaction as traffic slowed.

Shortly after, a second and more severe crash occurred on the bridge. This collision involved six tractor trailers, six passenger cars, and two pickup trucks. In addition, one semi-truck carried sheets of plate glass. The glass shattered across the roadway and created a hazardous environment. Therefore, rescue teams had to move carefully through piles of glass reaching up to two feet deep.

Heroic Emergency Response

Colleton County Fire-Rescue responded immediately. Meanwhile, agencies from Hampton County, Jasper County, and the SC Highway Patrol provided support. Despite blocked lanes and heavy congestion, teams adapted quickly. They rerouted through Yemassee and entered the scene by traveling north in the southbound lanes from Exit 38.

Emergency crews deployed five Colleton County ambulances along with several fire units. They also brought in mutual aid ambulances. Officials confirmed two fatalities at the scene. In addition, responders found four victims trapped in wreckage and performed extrications.

Medical teams evaluated 26 patients in total. They transported 13 individuals to hospitals in Charleston, Savannah, Colleton County, and Beaufort. Meanwhile, crews treated 13 others at the scene.

One man attempted to escape his vehicle but fell from the bridge into the Combahee River. Fortunately, he survived with non-life-threatening injuries and swam to safety.

Lives Saved Through Coordinated Rescue Efforts

Firefighter-paramedics carried out two complex rescues at the same time. They spent about 35 minutes freeing a man trapped in a crushed car under debris. Afterward, they airlifted him to MUSC in Charleston.

At the same time, responders rescued another truck driver from a destroyed cab. They then transported him to Memorial Hospital in Savannah.

Civilians also played an important role. For example, one man climbed over wreckage to locate the most critical victims. He then guided responders to those in need. Meanwhile, 911 dispatchers coordinated resources and ensured a fast response despite difficult conditions.

Aftermath and Road Closures

Authorities closed the southbound lanes of I-95 for 11 hours. During this time, crews cleared debris, wreckage, and broken glass.

SCDOT redirected traffic at Exit 42 (Lowcountry Hwy/US Hwy 21). In addition, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office helped manage traffic flow. Crews reopened the highway at 3:00 a.m. Wednesday.

The SC Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, and MAIT continue to investigate the crash.

What This Means for Victims and Their Families

This tragic event highlights the dangers of driving in extreme weather. Even a brief loss of visibility can lead to severe consequences. Therefore, drivers must exercise caution during storms.

For victims and their families, recovery will take time. However, accountability remains important.

At Ted Law Firm, we help victims of catastrophic accidents pursue compensation. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation. We also assist families with wrongful death and funeral expense claims.