Oil spill from tractor trailer crash blocks all eastbound lanes on interstate in Columbia

A tractor trailer crash and oil spill caused a miles-long traffic jam on a major interstate running through Columbia, officials said Monday.

All of the eastbound lanes on Interstate 20 were blocked by the crash that happened near Exit 65 in Richland County, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. That’s the junction with U.S. 176/Broad River Road, just a few miles from the Lexington County line.

The crash happened at about 1 p.m., according to SCDOT.

Information about the cause of the crash, and the number of vehicles involved, was not available. Traffic cameras showed emergency vehicles responding to the scene.

While SCDOT originally reported the crash caused a hazardous materials spill, the Columbia Fire Department told The State that the spill was just oil from the 18-wheeler. There were no hazardous materials on the truck, and there was no call for an evacuation, Columbia Fire Department spokesman Mike DeSumma said.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety did not say if anyone was injured in the crash.

Traffic cameras showed vehicles backed up for at least 3 miles in the eastbound lanes, and about a mile on the opposite side of I-20 in the westbound lanes.

Information about when all of the lanes would be reopened and the scene would be cleared was not available. Drivers in the area were urged to use caution and be patient.

“Please use caution if driving in that area,” said the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

This story was originally published June 5, 2023 at 2:22 PM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription