Columbia, SC (January 25, 2026) – Two men were killed in a head-on collision on Saturday morning on Interstate 20 in Lexington County, according to officials. The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. on the westbound side of I-20 near mile marker 63, in the Columbia area known as Malfunction Junction. Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher confirmed the victims as 90-year-old Murray Kenneth Paxton of Lexington and 22-year-old Emery Thomas Woody of Augusta, Georgia. Authorities say Paxton was driving a 2020 Kia Soul eastbound in the westbound lanes when it collided head-on with Woody’s westbound 2017 Nissan Sentra. Both drivers died at the scene. No other individuals were in either vehicle, and no additional injuries were reported. The crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the coroner’s office.
Key Details
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Where: I-20 Westbound near Mile Marker 63 (Malfunction Junction)
- Type: Head-On Crash With Fatalities
- Reported: January 24 at 10:30 AM
- Injuries: Confirmed fatalities
- Responding Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol & Lexington County Coroner’s Office
What We Know So Far
- Two drivers died in a head-on crash on I-20 West near Malfunction Junction.
- The victims were identified as Murray Kenneth Paxton, 90, and Emery Thomas Woody, 22.
- Paxton was traveling in the wrong direction on I-20 West.
- Both drivers were alone in their vehicles and died at the scene.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- What caused Paxton to enter the westbound lanes while driving east
- Whether any mechanical or medical issues were involved
- Exact speed and environmental conditions at the time of the crash
- If additional surveillance or witness statements are being reviewed
Local Context
The crash occurred near Malfunction Junction, a notoriously congested interchange in Columbia where multiple interstates intersect. This area sees heavy daily traffic and has been the site of prior serious collisions. Wrong-way driving on high-speed routes like I-20 poses extreme dangers, often resulting in deadly outcomes. In this case, both vehicles sustained fatal impacts, and the victims were confirmed deceased at the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the wrong-way travel, and further updates may follow once findings are finalized.
What to Do Next
- Pay extra attention to highway signage and directional indicators, especially in complex interchanges.
- Report any vehicles traveling the wrong direction immediately by calling 911.
- Check local advisories if traveling through areas known for high-crash intersections.
- Families of those involved in serious collisions should maintain contact with investigators and secure official reports.
FAQ
Q: Why are wrong-way crashes often fatal?
A: Wrong-way crashes typically occur at high speeds and head-on, significantly increasing the chance of severe injury or death for all parties involved.
Q: What is Malfunction Junction?
A: Malfunction Junction is a well-known interchange in Columbia where I-20, I-26, and I-126 converge. It’s known for traffic congestion and complex lane changes, making navigation difficult for unfamiliar drivers.
Q: Can elderly drivers be evaluated for fitness to drive?
A: Yes. Family members or physicians can request evaluations, and some states have age-based renewal requirements to ensure driver safety as individuals age.
