ST. MATTHEWS, Calhoun County, S.C., Oct. 26, 2026 — One person died and another was hospitalized after a single-vehicle crash on westbound Interstate 26 early Sunday morning, October 25, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 2:41 a.m. near mile marker 126 in Calhoun County, troopers said. A 2018 Honda Santa Fe traveling westbound reportedly left the roadway to the right and struck a culvert.
Two people were in the car at the time. One occupant died at the scene or after the crash, while the other was taken to a local hospital, according to the Highway Patrol. The extent of that person's injuries has not been released.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating what led the vehicle to leave the roadway. No further details, including the names of those involved, had been released as of this writing.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Crashes in St. Matthews, SC
This fatal crash happened on Interstate 26 in St. Matthews, South Carolina. We cover crashes across Calhoun County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Calhoun County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes most often occur?
A large share happen on highways and interstates, where higher speeds and limited reaction time raise the odds that a crash turns deadly, especially during overnight and early morning hours when traffic is lighter but drivers may be fatigued.
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal?
Speed, road departure, lack of seat belt use, and impaired or drowsy driving are common factors investigators look at when a crash results in death.
How does speed affect crash survivability?
Higher speeds mean more force at impact and less time for a driver to react or correct course, which is part of why single-vehicle, run-off-road crashes on highways can turn deadly quickly.
Why does seat belt use matter so much?
A seat belt keeps an occupant positioned inside the vehicle and spreads crash force across stronger parts of the body, which lowers the chance of being thrown from the vehicle or hitting the interior with full force.
What to Do After a Highway Crash in St. Matthews, SC
If you're involved in a highway crash, try to move to a safe location if the vehicle is drivable and call 911 right away. Remember to turn on hazard lights and, if you have them, set out flares or reflective triangles to warn oncoming traffic, since roadside crashes carry a real risk of being struck again. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical provider, since injuries from a crash don't always show symptoms right away. Makesure to keep a record of what responding agencies tell you and ask how to get a copy of the official crash report once it's available. For families dealing with a crash on I-26 or elsewhere around St. Matthews, taking things one step at a time, medical care first, documentation second, can make the days afterward a little more manageable.
