Two killed in collision that blocks interstate in Lexington County, coroner says
Two people were killed in a Thursday afternoon collision that backed up traffic on an interstate running through Lexington County, the coroner’s office said.
The crash occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Interstate 26, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Drivers heading toward Columbia were delayed, the South Carolina Department of Transportation said on Twitter.
The two-vehicle wreck was near the 119 mile marker, and the westbound lanes of I-26 were partially blocked, Master Trooper David Jones told The State. That’s near Exit 119, which is the junction with U.S. 21 and U.S. 176, heading toward Saint Matthews.
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher told The State that her office responded to the scene, and was still there at 4 p.m.
The coroner’s office will publicly identify the victims after notifying their families.
Both vehicles, a 2002 Freightliner box truck and a 2017 Nissan SUV were heading west on I-26, Jones said.
The truck slowed down and the SUV ran into the back of it before crashing underneath the Freightliner, according to Jones.
The driver and front-seat passenger in the Nissan died at the scene, Highway Patrol reported.
The driver of the box truck was wearing a seat belt and was not injured, Jones said.
Traffic was moving on I-26, but very slowly, Jones said. Cars were backed up for at least a mile, SCDOT traffic cameras showed.
Troopers worked to clear the road and drivers heading west, toward Columbia, were advised to take Exit 125 and follow U.S. 176 back to Exit 119, Jones tweeted.
Drivers should try to find an alternative route, if possible.
The crash is being investigated by Highway patrol and the coroner’s office.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 4:23 PM.
