Columbia, SC (May 4, 2026) – One person was killed, and another was injured in a tractor-trailer crash in Columbia on Sunday, May 3. The single-vehicle accident happened around 5:15 a.m. on southbound Interstate 77 near the 16-mile marker.
Officials said a 2020 Volvo tractor-trailer was traveling south when it ran off the left side of the interstate. The truck then hit a guardrail before crashing into a concrete column supporting an overpass near the junction with Interstate 20.
The driver died after the crash. The driver’s name had not been publicly released in the initial report. A front-seat passenger was hurt and taken to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, but that person’s condition was not available.
The collision remains under investigation. Additional details may become available as authorities continue their review.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we wish the injured passenger a full recovery.
Safety Concerns in Tractor-Trailer Highway Crashes
Tractor-trailer crashes can be severe because of the size and weight of the vehicle. When a semi truck leaves the roadway, it may be harder to regain control before hitting a fixed object. Guardrails, bridge supports, and barriers can cause major damage during impact.
Early morning highway travel may also bring added risks. Low light, lighter traffic flow, and changing speeds near interchanges can affect driver reaction time. Large trucks need more room to slow down or correct direction than smaller vehicles.
Passenger injuries in these crashes can vary based on seat position, impact force, and safety equipment use. Damage to the cab can also affect how quickly a person can be reached and treated after the crash.
