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LONGS, Horry County, S.C., Oct. 8, 2026 — Two people were taken to a hospital on Wednesday afternoon, October 7, after a motorcycle and another vehicle collided at Red Bluff Road and Hwy 905, according to Horry County Fire Rescue. One of the two reportedly suffered critical injuries.
Horry County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to the intersection at 2:51 p.m. for a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. Lanes at the intersection were blocked afterward, and the agency urged drivers to avoid the area due to delays and to ensure the safety of responders working the scene.
Both people involved were transported to a hospital, fire rescue officials said. The extent of the second patient's injuries has not been released.
The Horry County Police Department assisted at the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and no cause has been made public yet.
We are deeply sorry for the losses suffered by the victims' families.
What Makes a Car-Motorcycle Collision So Hard on the Rider
A motorcycle has no frame around the rider, no doors, no airbags, and no crumple zone to absorb an impact. When a car and a motorcycle collide, the car's body and bumper are designed to absorb impact and keep going. The motorcycle has almost nothing built to do that job, so the force of the crash is transmitted straight to the bike and the rider.
Closing speed matters more than either vehicle's posted speed limit. Two vehicles approaching an intersection from different directions can combine their speeds at the moment of impact, which is part of why intersection crashes involving motorcycles tend to be so severe, even at speeds that would cause only minor damage between two cars.
Visibility plays a role, too. A motorcycle has a narrower silhouette than a car or truck, and it can slip into a driver's blind spot or get lost against a busy background in a quick glance at an intersection. A helmet and protective gear can reduce the severity of injury in a fall or impact, but they cannot change the weight or speed difference between a motorcycle and a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 34 percent of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes had no valid motorcycle license in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a rider do immediately after a motorcycle crash?
Move out of traffic if possible, call 911, and avoid removing a helmet from an injured rider unless breathing is blocked. Get checked by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor, since some, like internal injuries or road rash, aren't obvious right away.
Do motorcycle crashes happen more often at intersections?
Yes. A large share of motorcycle and car collisions happens at intersections, often when a turning vehicle fails to see an oncoming rider or misjudges the motorcycle's speed and distance.
Does road surface affect how a motorcycle crash unfolds?
Yes. Gravel, wet pavement, painted lane markings, and potholes affect motorcycle traction far more than they affect a car, and can contribute to a loss of control during braking or turning.
What gear actually reduces injury for riders?
A DOT-approved helmet, a riding jacket and pants made of abrasion-resistant material, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots all reduce the severity of common injuries such as road rash, fractures, and head trauma.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Longs, SC
If you're involved in or witness a motorcycle crash, call 911 right away and stay clear of traffic lanes until help arrives. Let fire rescue and police manage the scene, since blocked intersections can create added danger for everyone nearby.
Anyone involved, even if they feel fine, should be evaluated by medical staff, since adrenaline can mask pain from injuries that may not appear for hours. If you witnessed the crash, stay available to speak with South Carolina Highway Patrol investigators, who rely on witness accounts to piece together what happened at the scene.
