South Carolina – A massive Lake Marion bridge accident involving 69 vehicles shut down the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in South Carolina on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after dense fog severely reduced visibility across the bridge.
The crash occurred on the I-95 bridge spanning Lake Marion between Clarendon and Orangeburg counties. According to officials cited by local news outlets, 92 vehicles were on the bridge when the pileup developed, with 69 becoming involved. The wreckage included 54 passenger vehicles and 15 tractor-trailers.
What Happened
The Lake Marion bridge accident unfolded during the morning commute as thick fog covered the roadway. Santee fire officials said visibility dropped sharply, leaving drivers little time to react and avoid stopped or slowing traffic.
Emergency crews encountered severely damaged vehicles, including cars trapped beneath tractor-trailers. At least two people were seriously injured, while others suffered less severe injuries. One seriously injured person was transported by helicopter. No deaths had been reported in the latest available updates.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The scale of the collision created significant challenges for first responders. The bridge does not currently have emergency lanes, forcing crews to leave response vehicles and walk equipment toward some crash victims. Firefighters also worked to extinguish a vehicle fire and assist motorists trapped in damaged vehicles.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, while crews worked for more than 15 hours to clear the wreckage. Southbound I-95 lanes were later reopened.
The crash has also renewed attention on the condition of the Lake Marion bridge. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is already undertaking a major bridge replacement project designed to replace the existing structures and improve the I-95 corridor.
Authorities have not announced a final determination of the factors that caused the pileup. Further details may emerge as the investigation continues.