News Summary
A devastating six-vehicle crash on U.S. 278 in Bluffton has claimed the life of 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez, a father of four. The collision occurred at a busy intersection and involved multiple vehicles, resulting in significant chaos. Authorities are investigating the incident as the community mourns the loss of a well-respected family man, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on local roads.
Bluffton, SC – A six-vehicle collision on U.S. 278 claimed the life of 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez, a resident of Beaufort and a father of four daughters. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed that he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the crash, succumbing to blunt force injuries sustained during the collision, which occurred around 12:30 p.m. on May 19, 2025.
The tragic incident unfolded at the intersection of U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle and involved a total of six vehicles. Tahual-Lopez was driving a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck, which was struck but did not initiate the crash. The vehicles involved included three eastbound vehicles—a 2019 Nissan sedan and the 2006 Chevrolet truck driven by Tahual-Lopez—and three westbound vehicles, consisting of a 2019 Ford pickup truck, a 2015 Lexus sedan, and a 2017 Toyota pickup truck.
According to initial reports, the 2019 Ford pickup truck collided with the Lexus sedan and Toyota pickup truck before veering into the oncoming traffic. This maneuver resulted in further collisions with the Nissan sedan and Tahual-Lopez’s Chevrolet pickup. The incident caused significant disruption, with first responders managing a complex scene involving a total of 10 occupants across the six vehicles.
As a result of the accident, three individuals were transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment for their injuries. Emergency responders, including personnel from the Bluffton Township Fire District, provided immediate medical assistance at the scene and coordinated with traffic control and vehicle removal efforts. Multiple local agencies, such as the Bluffton Police Department, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and Beaufort County EMS, played critical roles in the emergency response.
In the aftermath of the crash, the eastbound lanes of U.S. 278 remained closed for several hours, reopening around 5:15 p.m. Authorities advised drivers to use Buckwalter Parkway as an alternate route during this time. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Despite the distressing nature of this incident, it highlights ongoing safety concerns on Beaufort County roadways. In 2024, the county recorded 26 fatalities attributed to vehicular accidents, with common contributing factors including drivers running off the road, exceeding speed limits, and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Juan Tahual-Lopez has been remembered as a devoted family man who played a vital role in the lives of his four daughters. His dedication to providing for his family made him a respected figure within his community. The impact of his passing will be felt deeply among his loved ones, who now face the painful process of coping with the loss.
As the South Carolina Highway Patrol investigates this fatal crash, the community of Bluffton reflects on the devastating consequences of road collisions, urging drivers to exercise caution and promote safety on the roads.
The loss of Tahual-Lopez serves as a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety for all who travel the region’s highways.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Google Search: Juan Tahual-Lopez
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Traffic collision
- Bluffton Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile accident
- Island Packet
- Google News: Beaufort County vehicle accidents
