News Summary
A horrific six-vehicle crash on U.S. 278 in Bluffton, South Carolina, resulted in one fatality and significant traffic delays. The incident involved multiple vehicles, including two pickup trucks. The driver of one of the trucks suffered fatal injuries, prompting the establishment of a GoFundMe campaign for their family. Investigations by the South Carolina Highway Patrol are ongoing as officials urge drivers to remain vigilant, especially during the busy summer travel season.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Fatal Six-Vehicle Crash on U.S. 278 Claims One Life and Causes Major Traffic Delays
A fatal crash on U.S. 278 (Fording Island Road) in Bluffton resulted in one death, as well as significant traffic disruptions on Monday morning. The incident occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 278 and John Smith Lane, involving two pickup trucks: a Ford F-150 and a Chevrolet Silverado 1500. An individual was taken to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead. The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.
Following the initial crash, the westbound lanes of U.S. 278 were closed to traffic from approximately 6:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., leading authorities to divert vehicles onto Buckwalter Parkway and Buck Island Road. Traffic management became increasingly complicated later in the day due to a second significant crash that occurred on the same highway. Law enforcement informed the public of potential gridlock as the second incident obstructed all eastbound lanes at Rose Hill Way.
The Bluffton Police Department reported that the second crash involved six vehicles. In this incident, three vehicles were traveling west on U.S. 278 when a Ford pickup collided with them before crossing over the median to hit two vehicles traveling east, which included a Nissan sedan and another Chevrolet truck. A sixth vehicle, a Toyota van, struck the Ford and Chevrolet trucks shortly thereafter.
Tragically, the driver of the Chevrolet truck, 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez from Beaufort, suffered fatal blunt force injuries in this collision. Tahual-Lopez is survived by his family, and a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support them during this difficult time. The driver and front seat passenger of the Ford truck were transported to a hospital for medical treatment, as was the driver of the Nissan sedan. Fortunately, other individuals involved in the crash reported no injuries.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is actively investigating both crashes as emergency services responded efficiently to the scene, dealing with a complicated situation involving multiple heavily damaged vehicles. Firefighters were on hand to provide initial medical aid and assisted in extracting individuals trapped in their vehicles.
In response to the incidents, traffic lanes affected by the second crash remained blocked from around 12:40 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. Officials emphasized the importance of remaining alert on the road, observing speed limits, and avoiding distractions while driving, particularly as the busy summer travel season approaches.
The series of accidents on U.S. 278 highlights the risks associated with driving in heavily trafficked areas and the need for heightened caution on the roads. As investigations continue, local authorities are urging the public to take safety seriously to prevent further tragedies on the highways.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Bluffton U.S. 278 Traffic Gridlock Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic collision
- WSAV: Coroner Confirms Fatality in Bluffton Accident
- Google Search: Bluffton traffic accident
- Post and Courier: Fatal Accident Hilton Head
- Google Scholar: traffic safety South Carolina
- WTOC: One Person Dead After Bluffton Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: road safety
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort Man Dies After Six-Vehicle Accident
- Google News: Bluffton U.S. 278 crash
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HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
