A tragic head-on collision on Interstate 20 in South Carolina claimed the lives of two men Saturday morning, according to state officials. The crash occurred on the westbound side of I-20 near the 63-mile marker in Lexington County, an area commonly known as Malfunction Junction, a location often reviewed by a car accident lawyer when fatal crashes involve wrong-way driving or roadway safety concerns.
Authorities confirmed that the collision involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions in the westbound lanes. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene, and no other injuries were reported.
Fatal Crash Reported Saturday Morning on I-20
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Emergency responders arrived at the scene following reports of a severe collision involving two vehicles on Interstate 20.
According to officials, the crash happened when a vehicle traveling east entered the westbound lanes of I-20, resulting in a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle traveling west.
The incident occurred in a busy interchange area, raising immediate concerns about traffic safety and roadway conditions.
Victims Identified by Coroner
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher identified the two individuals who lost their lives in the crash.
One of the victims was Murray Kenneth Paxton, a 90-year-old resident of Lexington, South Carolina. The second victim was Emery Thomas Woody, a 22-year-old resident of Augusta, Georgia.
Both men were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles at the time of the crash.
Details of the Vehicles Involved
Officials stated that Paxton was driving a 2020 Kia Soul eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 20. His vehicle collided head-on with a 2017 Nissan Sentra.
Woody was driving the Nissan Sentra westbound in the correct direction when the collision occurred.
The impact was severe, and both vehicles sustained significant damage consistent with a high-speed head-on crash.
Seatbelt Use Confirmed
According to the coroner, Paxton was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Woody, however, was not wearing a seatbelt when the collision occurred.
Despite seatbelt use in one of the vehicles, the force of the impact proved fatal for both drivers. Authorities confirmed that no passengers were present in either vehicle.
No Additional Injuries Reported
Officials confirmed that the two drivers were the only individuals involved in the crash. No additional injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved.
Emergency crews focused on securing the scene, managing traffic flow, and conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision.
Wrong-Way Driving Under Investigation
At this time, authorities have not released information explaining why the Kia Soul was traveling in the wrong direction on Interstate 20.
Wrong-way driving incidents are considered particularly dangerous due to the high speeds involved and the limited reaction time available to oncoming drivers.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol, along with the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Traffic Disruptions Near Malfunction Junction
The crash occurred near Malfunction Junction, a well-known interchange in the Columbia area of Lexington County. This area frequently experiences heavy traffic and complex lane patterns.
Following the collision, portions of Interstate 20 were impacted as emergency responders worked at the scene. Drivers in the area experienced delays while authorities cleared debris and conducted their investigation.
Motorists were advised to use caution and consider alternate routes during the response period.
South Carolina Traffic Fatality Statistics
The fatal crash adds to ongoing concerns about roadway safety in South Carolina.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, at least 34 people had died on South Carolina roads through January 18, 2026. Data from 2025 shows that a minimum of 914 people were killed in traffic collisions statewide.
In Lexington County alone, at least three people have died in crashes so far this year. In 2025, the county recorded at least 40 traffic-related deaths.
High Number of Collisions Reported Statewide
South Carolina recorded 145,761 traffic collisions in 2023, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by drivers across the state.
Factors contributing to the high number of collisions can include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and complex roadway designs, particularly in heavily traveled interchange areas.
Officials continue to emphasize the importance of defensive driving and adherence to traffic laws to reduce the risk of fatal crashes.
Dangers of Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents. The combined speed of two vehicles traveling toward each other often results in severe injuries or fatalities.
Wrong-way driving significantly increases the likelihood of these types of crashes, especially on high-speed interstates where reaction time is limited.
Safety experts urge drivers to remain alert, especially in areas with complex lane configurations or during times of reduced visibility.
Ongoing Investigation Continues
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has stated that the investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Authorities will continue to examine vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and any available evidence to determine what led to the wrong-way travel.
Further updates may be released as investigators complete their review and compile their findings.
Impact on Families and the Community
Fatal crashes leave lasting effects on families, friends, and the broader community. Beyond the immediate loss of life, these incidents often prompt renewed discussions about road safety and prevention.
Community members are encouraged to report unsafe driving behaviors and to remain cautious when traveling through high-risk areas.
