South Carolina drivers traveling on I‑95 between Charleston and Savannah faced a serious disruption Thursday morning when dense fog over the Lake Marion bridge led to a massive multi‑vehicle collision. The crash, now referred to as the I‑95 pileup over Lake Marion, stretched for at least a mile and involved dozens of vehicles, including many tractor‑trailers.
Escalating vehicle count
Early reports from the Santee Fire District described the incident as a 40‑car pileup with four tractor‑trailers involved. By midday, Clarendon County Fire Rescue spokesperson April Conyers said the number was “more than 30 vehicles.” Later updates from WIS listed 15 tractor‑trailers and 50 other vehicles, while WLTX reported at least 69 vehicles and close to 40 people transported to hospitals. The exact count remains fluid as officials continue to assess the scene.
Fog identified as likely factor
Although no official cause has been released, multiple sources noted heavy fog as a primary condition. Santee fire officials said the fog reduced visibility so quickly that drivers had no time to stop. Traffic cameras captured thick fog over the lake at the time of the crash, and the FOX Forecast Center confirmed dense fog in the area. The National Weather Service warned that patchy fog would persist through Friday evening, underscoring the ongoing risk for motorists.
Bridge design complicates response
The Lake Marion bridge lacks emergency lanes, forcing tow crews to remove vehicles in the order they were stuck. By 8 p.m., crews had cleared only about a quarter of the wreckage. SCDOT inspected the bridge while towing continued, and video from the agency suggested the road might not fully reopen until Friday morning. Both northbound and southbound lanes were closed for several hours; the northbound side reopened around noon, but traffic moved slowly.
Detours and traveler impacts
SCDOT established a detour beginning at mile marker 102, and the Highway Patrol indicated the southbound lanes would remain closed for an extended period. Stranded drivers found refuge at the Santee Welcome Center, where a grandmother traveling from New Orleans to Florida and a woman heading to her son’s wedding waited for the detour to clear. A Virginia driver reported being delayed en route to Walt Disney World.
Historical pattern of fog‑related pileups
This incident follows a history of serious crashes on the same stretch of I‑95. In 2000, a fog‑related pileup involved more than 90 vehicles. Earlier accidents in 2011 and 2025 also featured multiple trucks and severe weather, highlighting the recurring danger of long, elevated bridges with heavy truck traffic and limited escape routes.
Officials continue to monitor conditions and advise motorists to exercise caution, especially in foggy weather, and to follow posted detours until the bridge is fully cleared.
Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.
