Rock Hill, SC (March 2, 2026) – A 43-year-old woman died after a multi-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon, February 27, on Celanese Road near Interstate 77.
The collision happened around 3:17 p.m. Police said 21-year-old Joel Laron Smith was driving a Hyundai Sonata off the interstate at a high rate of speed when he lost control. The car went airborne as it crossed a median before slamming into a Ford Ranger pickup truck.
After the initial impact, the Sonata continued out of control and struck a Toyota Sienna minivan traveling on Celanese Road. The driver of the minivan, identified as Marybeth Robinson, was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
A photo taken at the scene showed the Sienna heavily damaged with airbags deployed. Lanes in the area were closed for several hours as emergency units worked at the crash site. Smith was later taken into custody in connection with the incident.
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 High-Speed Crashes Can Lead to Severe Multi-Vehicle Accidents
High-speed crashes often cause more damage because drivers have less time to react and vehicles are harder to control. When a car leaves the roadway or crosses a median, it can quickly enter oncoming traffic, where the risk of hitting multiple vehicles increases.
Airbags and other safety systems are designed to reduce harm, but the force involved in high-speed impacts can still lead to serious or fatal outcomes. Damage to several vehicles is common in these types of collisions, especially on busy roads near interstate exits.
