BEAUFORT, Beaufort County, S.C., Nov. 7, 2026 — One person died following a head-on crash on Friday afternoon, November 6, on US Highway 21 in Beaufort County, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The collision happened a little after 3 p.m. near Kemmerlin Lane. A pickup truck heading north on US Highway 21 was struck head-on by a pickup truck traveling south that reportedly crossed the center line into oncoming traffic.
Both drivers were taken to a hospital. The driver of the northbound pickup later died from injuries suffered in the crash. The condition of the second driver has not been released.
WTOC has reported that it is seeking the identity of the person who died from the Beaufort County Coroner's Office. That information had not been released as of this writing. The Highway Patrol is investigating what led the southbound vehicle to cross the center line.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Crashes in Beaufort, SC
This fatal crash happened on US Highway 21 in Beaufort, SC. We cover crashes across Beaufort County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Beaufort County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do median barriers help prevent head-on crashes?
Physical barriers between opposing lanes keep vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic, which is the main way head-on crashes happen on undivided highways like this one.
What should I do if a car drifts into my lane?
Slow down, move right toward the shoulder if possible, and avoid swerving sharply left, since that can put you directly into the path of other oncoming vehicles.
What injuries are common in head-on crashes?
These crashes frequently cause chest, head, and leg injuries from the force of two vehicles meeting at combined speed, along with internal injuries that are not always immediately apparent.
What causes head-on collisions?
Common causes include a driver drifting across the center line due to distraction, fatigue, impairment, or losing control, though the specific cause in any crash is determined by investigators.
