Orangeburg County, SC (February 15, 2026) – Two people died and another was hospitalized following a head-on crash Friday evening on North Rd near Hodges Dr, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Authorities said the collision occurred on February 13 at approximately 7:20 p.m. along North Rd. Investigators reported that a 2017 Nissan sedan was traveling west when it crossed left of the center line and struck a 2013 Chevrolet sedan traveling east.
Officials confirmed that the driver and passenger of the Nissan sedan died at the scene as a result of their injuries. Emergency medical services transported the driver of the Chevrolet sedan to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of that driver’s injuries has not been publicly released.
The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office has not yet identified the deceased victims. The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Key Details
- Location: North Rd near Hodges Dr, Orangeburg County
- Reported: February 13 at 7:20 p.m.
- Type: Head-on crash involving two sedans
- Fatalities: Two people pronounced dead at scene
- Injuries: One person hospitalized
- Investigation: South Carolina Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- A westbound Nissan crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Chevrolet.
- The driver and passenger of the Nissan died at the scene.
- The Chevrolet driver was taken to a hospital for treatment.
- The coroner has not yet released the victims’ identities.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The condition of the hospitalized driver.
- What factors caused the Nissan to cross the center line.
- Whether impairment or other contributing circumstances were involved.
- Additional details from the ongoing investigation.
Local Context
Long stretches of road near North Rd and Hodges Dr can involve higher travel speeds, especially during evening hours when visibility begins to decline. In Orangeburg County, serious injury accidents on rural corridors often require extended scene investigations as troopers examine vehicle positions, roadway markings, and other contributing factors before reopening traffic fully.
What to Do Next
- Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Stay clear of traffic lanes when it is unsafe to move.
- Take photos of vehicle damage and surroundings if safe.
- Monitor symptoms later and seek medical care if needed.
FAQ
Q: Why can injuries appear later after an accident?
A: Some injuries, including internal trauma or soft tissue damage, may not show immediate symptoms. It is important to monitor for pain, dizziness, or other changes after a crash.
Q: Why are freeway crashes especially dangerous?
A: Head-on or high-speed crashes can result in severe impacts due to opposing travel directions and greater force, increasing the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries.
Q: What does it mean when an accident is under investigation?
A: When a crash is under investigation, authorities are reviewing evidence, examining roadway conditions, and collecting statements to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.