Columbia, SC (August 3, 2025) – A fatal wrong-way crash is under investigation following an early morning collision on I-20 in Richland County. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. Saturday on the westbound side of I-20 near the 72-mile marker.
The crash involved a 2020 Chevrolet Impala traveling westbound and a Kia Rio that was heading eastbound in the westbound lane. The vehicles collided head-on. Authorities confirmed that each car had only one occupant at the time of the crash.
Both drivers were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tragically, the driver of the Kia Rio succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The driver of the Impala survived. The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Wrong-Way Collisions on South Carolina Interstates
Wrong-way collisions, though relatively rare, often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the high-impact nature of head-on crashes at highway speeds. The I-20 corridor near Columbia has seen an increase in serious incidents in recent years, prompting renewed focus on wrong-way driver prevention.
According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, wrong-way crashes are frequently linked to driver confusion, impairment, or missed signage during low-light hours. These accidents are more likely to occur in the early morning hours, as seen in Saturday’s fatal crash.
To reduce these occurrences, transportation officials have introduced measures like better signage, road reflectors, and public awareness campaigns. However, drivers are still urged to remain vigilant, especially when entering interstates, and to report any vehicle observed traveling in the wrong direction.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a serious crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for support and assistance.
