Inman, SC (April 27, 2026) – A deadly wrong-way crash took place early Friday morning, April 24, on Interstate 26 near mile marker 9 in Inman. The incident happened around 3:30 a.m. when a transit van traveling east in the westbound lanes collided head-on with a tractor-trailer.
Officials confirmed that the van driver, 52-year-old Stacey Lee Abernathy of Campobello, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was hurt and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. No additional details about their condition have been shared.
Westbound lanes were shut down for several hours as emergency units worked at the scene. Traffic was diverted through a nearby rest area until the roadway reopened around 8:30 a.m. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Wrong-Way Crashes on Highways Can Occur
Wrong-way crashes often happen when a driver enters a highway using an exit ramp or travels in the wrong direction due to confusion or poor visibility. These incidents are more common during early morning hours when roads are less busy, and lighting conditions can be limited.
Several factors may contribute to these situations, including impaired driving, unfamiliarity with the area, or missed road signs. High-speed highways increase the risk of serious outcomes because drivers have less time to react once they encounter an oncoming vehicle.
Efforts to reduce wrong-way crashes include better signage, reflective markers, and ramp design changes that help guide drivers correctly. Some areas also use alert systems that warn drivers if they enter a roadway in the wrong direction.
