Tragedy on I-95: Two Killed, One Injured in Fiery Overnight Crash Involving SUV and Dump Truck in Orangeburg County

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A devastating overnight collision along Interstate 95 has claimed the lives of two individuals in Orangeburg County, casting a somber shadow over the region and reigniting ongoing concerns about highway safety in South Carolina.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the fatal crash occurred during the overnight hours on a stretch of I-95 near mile marker 85. The area, often trafficked by long-haul truckers, tourists, and local commuters, has become increasingly recognized as a high-risk zone for serious accidents.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following reports of a severe crash involving multiple vehicles. Troopers arrived to find the wreckage of what appeared to be a violent impact. Details remain limited, but preliminary findings indicate that the crash involved at least two vehicles. Both individuals who lost their lives were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) was called in to reconstruct the crash and examine the circumstances that led to the tragedy. Traffic was diverted for several hours as crews cleared debris and investigators documented evidence.

Officials have not yet confirmed what may have caused the collision—whether speed, impairment, weather conditions, or mechanical failure played a role. However, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety has repeatedly warned of the increasing dangers on major interstates, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when visibility is reduced and driver fatigue becomes a significant factor.

Witnesses who passed the scene described it as harrowing. One truck driver, who asked to remain anonymous, stated, “You could tell it was bad just by the number of emergency lights. Cars were backed up for miles. I saw first responders moving quickly, but the damage was already done.”

The collision adds to a troubling trend in South Carolina, where traffic-related fatalities have remained persistently high. According to recent data from the state Department of Transportation, more than 1,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in South Carolina in 2024 alone, with a significant percentage of those occurring on major highways like I-95.

Orangeburg County officials and community members have expressed frustration and grief over the loss of life and have renewed calls for enhanced safety measures, including improved lighting, increased patrols, and better signage along stretches of the interstate where accidents frequently occur.

“This tragedy is heartbreaking, and it reminds us just how quickly lives can be taken on our roads,” said one local resident who stopped to lay flowers near the crash site. “We need change—too many families are being torn apart.”

The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate and urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage to contact authorities.

As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the community is left grappling with yet another reminder of the dangers lurking on South Carolina’s highways—where a routine drive can, in an instant, become a life-altering tragedy.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.