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Georgetown, SC (August 26, 2026) – Multiple people were injured Wednesday afternoon, August 26 in a collision on Highway 17 northbound, on the second set of bridges leaving Georgetown. That stretch of Highway 17 crosses the Sampit River and connects Georgetown to communities farther up the coast.
The wreck also caused an oil spill on the roadway, and crews worked to clean it up, according to initial reports.
All northbound lanes were initially closed, though one lane has since reopened. Drivers were urged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area.
No further details about the vehicles involved or the cause were released. We hope for a full recovery for everyone who was hurt.
Why Do Bridge Crashes Cause Longer Closures?
Bridge crossings present unique challenges after a collision, since there’s no shoulder or alternate lane space for other traffic to pass safely. A crash on a bridge can require a full closure in ways that a similar incident on an open stretch of highway might not.
Oil and fluid spills add another layer of complexity to a highway response, since responders have to address the immediate medical needs of anyone injured while also containing a hazard that can make the roadway slippery for other vehicles. Cleanup crews typically use absorbent materials to soak up spilled fluids before a road can safely reopen to normal traffic.
Waterway crossings like this one can also create longer detours than a typical road closure, since drivers may need to find another bridge to cross the same river. This is one reason authorities recommend checking for real-time traffic updates before heading toward a reported closure.
