A deadly crash on an Interstate 26 entrance ramp in Lexington County claimed the life of one person and left another injured Wednesday, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The incident occurred on the westbound entrance ramp near the 113 mile marker, close to the boundary separating Cayce and West Columbia near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, a tragic roadway scenario that car accident lawyers often review when pedestrians and motorists are involved in fatal highway incidents.
Authorities confirmed that the collision involved multiple vehicles and a pedestrian who was standing on the shoulder of the ramp at the time of the crash. The incident adds to the growing number of fatal crashes reported on South Carolina roadways in 2025 and highlights ongoing concerns about roadside safety and traffic enforcement.
Details of the I-26 Entrance Ramp Collision
South Carolina Highway Patrol officials identified the victim as Daniel James White, a 60 year old resident of Landrum. Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher confirmed that White died at the scene due to injuries sustained during the crash.
According to Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway, the collision happened on the entrance ramp leading to westbound I-26. A 2014 Mazda sedan with a utility trailer attached was legally parked on the ramp shoulder. White was outside the vehicle and standing on the shoulder while working on the utility trailer.
As White attended to the trailer, a 2009 Ford pickup truck traveling westbound on the entrance ramp ran off the right side of the roadway. The truck struck both the utility trailer and White before crashing into the rear of the parked Mazda sedan.
The impact caused fatal injuries to White, who was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Injuries and Emergency Response
The driver of the Ford pickup truck was injured during the collision and was transported to Lexington Medical Center for treatment. Officials did not release further details regarding the extent or severity of the driver’s injuries.
No other injuries were reported in connection with the crash. Authorities also stated that it was unclear whether White was the driver of the Mazda sedan or whether any other occupants were inside the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Emergency personnel responded quickly to secure the scene, provide medical assistance, and manage traffic flow along the ramp and surrounding roadways.
Investigation Ongoing by Highway Patrol and Coroner
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash. As of the latest update, officials had not released information explaining why the Ford pickup truck ran off the roadway.
Investigators are expected to review physical evidence from the scene, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions. Factors such as speed, driver attention, visibility, and mechanical issues may be examined as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not indicated whether charges are expected or whether additional findings will be released once the investigation is complete.
Roadside Work and Pedestrian Risks on Highways
The crash highlights the dangers faced by individuals who stop along highway ramps or shoulders, even when vehicles are legally parked. Entrance and exit ramps often involve merging traffic, limited visibility, and higher speeds, which increase the risk of serious collisions.
Pedestrians working near active roadways are especially vulnerable, as drivers may have little time to react if a vehicle leaves the travel lane. Law enforcement agencies regularly advise motorists to move over or slow down when approaching stopped vehicles on shoulders, but compliance remains inconsistent.
Incidents like this underscore the importance of driver awareness and caution when navigating ramps and transition areas on interstates.
I-26 Traffic Safety Concerns
Interstate 26 is a major transportation corridor in South Carolina, connecting communities across the Midlands and Lowcountry. The entrance ramp near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport experiences frequent traffic, including commercial vehicles, airport traffic, and daily commuters.
Crash data has shown that ramps and merging areas are common locations for accidents due to lane changes, speed differences, and driver distraction. Safety officials continue to stress the need for attentive driving, especially in areas where vehicles may be stopped or moving slowly.
South Carolina Traffic Fatality Statistics
The fatal crash adds to troubling statewide traffic statistics reported by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Through Sunday, 847 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2025.
In comparison, 948 people lost their lives in traffic crashes across the state in 2024. Lexington County alone has recorded at least 35 traffic related deaths in 2025, according to DPS data. The county reported 50 roadway fatalities in 2024.
These figures highlight the ongoing risks present on South Carolina roadways and the need for continued public awareness, enforcement efforts, and infrastructure improvements.
Community Impact of Fatal Crashes
Fatal crashes affect far more than those directly involved. Families, coworkers, and entire communities are left coping with sudden loss and unanswered questions. Road closures, investigations, and emergency responses also place strain on local resources and disrupt daily travel.
The loss of life on a busy interstate ramp serves as a reminder of how quickly routine activities can turn tragic. Officials often emphasize that roadway safety is a shared responsibility among drivers, pedestrians, and transportation authorities.
Importance of Ongoing Roadway Investigations
Investigations into fatal crashes play a crucial role in determining what happened and whether changes can prevent future incidents. Findings may influence safety recommendations, roadway design adjustments, or enforcement strategies.
While not all crashes are preventable, understanding contributing factors helps agencies develop targeted solutions aimed at reducing similar tragedies in the future.
Remembering the Victim
Authorities confirmed that Daniel James White was outside his vehicle when he was struck. His death marks another loss on South Carolina roads and reinforces the dangers present on high speed ramps and shoulders.
As investigations continue, officials urge drivers to remain alert, slow down near stopped vehicles, and use caution when traveling through ramp areas.
