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Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down I-95 Southbound in Conway, SC

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ash-shuts-down-i-95-southbound-in-conway-sc.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 12:29 GMT by WJCL
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

CONWAY, S.C. - February 1st, 2026 - A catastrophic multi-vehicle collision has brought southbound I-95 to a standstill near Conway, South Carolina, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality and widespread travel chaos. The incident, involving a minimum of seven vehicles including multiple commercial tractor-trailers, occurred earlier this morning at approximately 9:15 AM EST near mile marker 192. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has confirmed a complete closure of the southbound lanes and anticipates the shutdown will extend for several hours, potentially impacting travel throughout the eastern seaboard.

Initial reports indicate that visibility may have been a contributing factor. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), early speculation centers around a combination of dense morning fog and potentially icy conditions reported in localized areas along the I-95 corridor. SCDOT officials confirmed patchy frost was reported overnight, and while road crews were deployed to address potential black ice, it's unclear if this played a direct role in the accident.

The scale of the crash has necessitated a full emergency response. Fire and rescue teams from Horry County, Conway, and surrounding jurisdictions are on scene conducting extrication efforts and providing medical assistance. The number of injured is still being assessed, though preliminary reports suggest multiple individuals have sustained serious injuries requiring hospitalization. A temporary triage center has been established near the crash site to provide immediate care.

"This is a tragic event, and our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to thoroughly investigate the cause of this collision," stated Highway Patrol Sergeant Maria Rodriguez during a press briefing held at the scene. "The complexity of clearing a crash involving multiple tractor-trailers, particularly with the extent of the damage, requires a careful and methodical approach. We are asking for the public's patience as we work to reopen the roadway."

The closure of I-95 southbound is causing significant ripple effects for travelers. The highway serves as a crucial artery for both commercial freight and passenger traffic connecting the Northeast with Florida and the Gulf Coast. Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternate routes, with SCDOT recommending detours via US-501 and SC-707. However, these alternate routes are already experiencing increased congestion as traffic is diverted.

Travel experts predict considerable delays for those attempting to bypass the closure. Logistics companies are bracing for disruptions to supply chains, as I-95 is a vital route for transporting goods. Trucking associations are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety during the detour.

The NTSB has dispatched a Go-Team to Conway to conduct a comprehensive investigation. This team will focus on examining vehicle maintenance records, driver performance, environmental factors, and the overall highway infrastructure to determine the root cause of the crash and issue safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding highway safety, particularly on major interstate corridors. The increasing volume of traffic, coupled with challenging weather conditions, creates a heightened risk of accidents. Experts emphasize the importance of driver awareness, adherence to speed limits, and maintaining a safe following distance. SCDOT is reviewing its winter weather preparedness protocols in light of this event, with a focus on improving communication regarding road conditions and enhancing de-icing and anti-icing efforts.

WJCL will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available. Real-time traffic updates can be found on the SCDOT website ([ https://www.scdot.org/ ]) and through the 511 travel information service. Drivers are encouraged to check these resources before embarking on their journey.