Richland County, SC (April 13, 2026) – One person lost their life after an early Sunday crash, April 11, in the northbound lanes of I-77 near MM 13 in Richland County. The accident happened at about 5:45 a.m. and involved a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro and a 2019 Mazda CX-30.
Reports show the Camaro was heading north when it went off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. The driver, who was alone in the car, was taken to the hospital and later died from the injuries suffered in the crash. A Mazda CX-30 traveling in the same direction then struck debris from the damaged Camaro. The Mazda driver was not hurt.
The cause of the collision remains under review, and additional details may be released as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Debris Can Lead to Secondary Interstate Crashes
Debris on high-speed interstates can quickly create dangerous conditions for other drivers, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be lower. Even after the first vehicle leaves the roadway, broken parts, metal fragments, or tire pieces can remain in active lanes, increasing the risk of a second crash within seconds.
In these situations, roadway position, traffic speed, and the distance between vehicles often help explain why another driver may be unable to avoid the hazard. Damage patterns, skid marks, and the final resting area of debris can also provide helpful context. On busy interstate routes, even a single piece of debris can affect multiple lanes, making chain-reaction collisions more likely before the road can be cleared.
