Beaufort County, SC (February 19, 2026) – One person was killed and another injured in a wrong-way crash on SC-170, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The collision occurred around 11:15 p.m. near Old Field Way and involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
Key Details
- Reported: February 18 at 11:15 p.m.
- Location: SC-170 near Old Field Way, Beaufort County
- Vehicles Involved: 2019 Infiniti QX50 and 2009 Toyota sedan
- Fatality: The driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene
- Injuries: The driver of the Infiniti was transported to Memorial Health in Savannah
- Investigating Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- Troopers said a 2019 Infiniti QX50 was traveling in the wrong direction on the eastbound side of SC-170.
- The Infiniti collided head-on with a 2009 Toyota sedan.
- The driver of the Toyota died at the scene as a result of the crash.
- The driver of the Infiniti was injured and transported by emergency medical services to Memorial Health in Savannah.
- The crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
- The extent of the Infiniti driver’s injuries has not been disclosed.
- Officials have not released additional details about what led to the wrong-way travel.
Local Context
SC-170 near Old Field Way serves as a key route through Beaufort County, connecting residential communities with commercial areas and neighboring regions. A head-on collision in this stretch can have serious consequences, particularly when a vehicle is traveling the wrong direction on the roadway. When incidents like this occur, South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers typically secure the scene, document vehicle positions, and coordinate with emergency medical services while traffic is diverted. In late-night crashes, reduced visibility and higher speeds can add complexity to both the collision and the subsequent investigation. Additional updates are often released after troopers complete their preliminary review.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Avoid arguing about fault at the scene. Provide clear information to the police and let officials determine what happened.
- If witnesses are present, collect names and contact information when possible.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: How long does it usually take for an accident report to become available?
A: In many cases, preliminary reports may be available within days, but full investigative findings can take longer depending on the complexity of the crash.
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: High-speed roadways increase the force of impact, and wrong-way or head-on collisions often result in severe damage due to the combined speed of both vehicles.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means troopers are reviewing evidence, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing roadway conditions to determine how and why the crash occurred.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
