Florence County, SC (February 12, 2026) – One person was seriously injured after a dramatic crash on Wednesday evening at the interchange of Interstate 95 and U.S. Hwy 52, also known as W Lucas St, in the Florence area. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene on February 11 at approximately 6:15 p.m. following reports of a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles.
According to authorities, one of the vehicles left I-95 during the crash, traveled over the bridge structure, and landed on W Lucas St below. Florence County Emergency Medical Services, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and additional responding agencies worked to assess injuries and secure the area. Officials with Florence County Fire Rescue said three people were treated at the scene, and one person sustained serious injuries. Those hurt were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Key Details
- Location: I-95 & US 52 (W Lucas St), Florence County
- Type of Incident: Two-vehicle crash with serious injury
- Reported: February 11 at 6:15 p.m.
- Injuries: Three people treated; one seriously injured
- Road Impact: Multiple SB lanes on I-95 and lanes on US 52 toward Darlington were closed
- Investigation: South Carolina Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- The collision involved two vehicles at the I-95 and US 52 interchange.
- One vehicle left the interstate, crossed over the bridge, and came to rest on W Lucas St below.
- Emergency personnel treated three individuals at the scene.
- The South Carolina Department of Transportation responded due to reported bridge damage.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The sequence of events that led the vehicle to leave I-95.
- The identities of those involved.
- The current medical condition of the seriously injured person.
- Whether any citations have been issued.
Local Context
The interchange of I-95 and US 52 (W Lucas St) is a key connection point in Florence County, linking long-distance interstate travel with local routes toward Florence and Darlington. Southbound traffic on I-95 frequently uses this exit to access commercial areas and regional roadways. Because the crash involved a vehicle leaving the elevated interstate and landing on the roadway below, responders had to manage both the interstate lanes and traffic along W Lucas St. The presence of reported bridge damage also required coordination with the South Carolina Department of Transportation before the affected lanes could safely reopen.
What to Do Next
- If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on busy highways.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- If it’s safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Check traffic advisories before traveling through the area, as delays can develop quickly after major crashes.
FAQ
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Freeways involve higher speeds and merging traffic, which can increase the severity of collisions and make secondary crashes more likely if lanes are blocked.
Q: Why do highway crashes often lead to traffic backups?
A: When lanes are closed for emergency response or vehicle removal, traffic volume can quickly exceed available roadway space, causing significant delays.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Officers secure the area, assist with traffic control, gather statements, document vehicle positions and damage, and begin investigating how the collision occurred.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
