Newberry County, SC (June 30, 2026) – A 70-year-old Columbia man lost his life on Sunday evening, June 28, after a three-vehicle collision on I-26 in Newberry County.
The fatal wreck happened at about 7:40 p.m. near mile marker 88, close to the Lexington County line. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2017 Toyota Camry had stopped because of traffic while a 2025 International box truck slowed behind it. A 2025 Nissan Sentra, driven by Hector A. Colorado Cogua of Columbia, then struck the rear of the box truck, causing it to move forward into the back of the Toyota.
Cogua was pronounced dead at the roadway. The drivers of the box truck and the Toyota were not hurt, and no other injuries were reported.
The Newberry County Coroner identified the deceased on Monday and said an autopsy is scheduled to take place later this week. The cause of the collision remains under review as investigators continue gathering information.
Our heartfelt condolences are with Hector A. Colorado Cogua’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Why Rear-End Collisions on Busy Interstates Can Become Serious
Rear-end collisions on interstate highways frequently happen when traffic slows suddenly because of congestion, construction, or another roadway hazard. Drivers traveling at highway speeds may have little time to react if they are following too closely or become distracted, increasing the risk of a chain-reaction involving multiple vehicles.
Large commercial trucks can add to the severity of these crashes because of their size and weight. Even at reduced speeds, a truck that is struck from behind may be pushed into vehicles ahead, creating additional damage. Investigators typically examine factors such as vehicle spacing, speed, braking, roadway conditions, and driver actions to better understand how the sequence of impacts occurred. These findings help establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and may also contribute to future roadway safety efforts.
