News Summary

A significant incident involving a gasoline tanker crash led to the collapse of the Old Vaucluse Road bridge, temporarily closing I-20 in both directions. Emergency crews responded quickly, and after extensive repair efforts, the interstate has reopened. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but traffic delays were experienced as repairs progressed. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is now planning the bridge’s replacement, estimated at around $15 million, while investigations into the crash continue.

Aiken County

Interstate 20 has reopened following a significant incident that led to the collapse of the Old Vaucluse Road bridge. The bridge fell after a gasoline tanker crash around 4 a.m. on June 14, 2025, resulting in the closure of I-20 in both directions between Bettis Academy Road and Edgefield Highway.

The tanker, which was transporting 8,500 gallons of gasoline, caught fire after the crash, igniting a large blaze that complicated rescue and repair efforts. Emergency crews from nine different fire departments quickly responded to the scene to extinguish the flames and manage the aftermath.

In the immediate hours following the incident, local authorities assessed the damaged bridge and deemed it a total loss. Consequently, emergency teams worked through the night to demolish the remaining structure and clear the debris. The repair efforts encompassed milling and repaving the impacted sections of I-20 and replacing guardrails that had been damaged in the fire.

Traffic was heavily disrupted during the closure, causing delays for local drivers. Many reported being rerouted, resulting in longer travel times to their destinations. Despite the incident’s severity, minor injuries were reported, with two individuals transported to a hospital for treatment. Their current condition is unknown, but fortunately, no fatalities were recorded as a result of the crash.

After 36 hours of intensive work, I-20 was successfully reopened on Sunday afternoon, enabling traffic to resume normal flow through the critical interstate corridor. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) utilized emergency contract measures to expedite the bridge replacement plans and ensure quicker recovery from the incident.

Bridge Replacement Cost and Timeline

The SCDOT estimates the replacement of the Old Vaucluse Road bridge could cost approximately $15 million, although a precise cost is yet to be determined. Plans are being formulated, and the SCDOT will provide updates regarding the timeline for the new bridge’s construction in the coming weeks.

Investigation and Cleanup Efforts

The circumstances surrounding the tanker crash are currently under investigation, with local law enforcement coordinating with several fire departments to manage the scene and ensure traffic safety during the disruption. Authorities have requested patience from the public as cleanup and reconstruction proceed following the incident.

Looking Ahead

While the reopening of I-20 allows for restored traffic flow, the focus remains on the safety and infrastructure improvements needed in the aftermath of this event. Observers will be monitoring the developments concerning both the ongoing investigation into the crash and the future construction of the new bridge.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Gasoline Tanker Crash Causes Bridge Collapse in Aiken County
Interstate 20 Reopens After Major Aiken County Accident
I-20 Reopens After Old Vaucluse Road Overpass Collapse
Bridge Collapse on I-20 Following Fuel Truck Accident in Aiken County
Tractor-Trailer Accident Causes Overpass Collapse in Aiken
Fuel Truck Fire Causes Bridge Collapse in Aiken County
Massive Gasoline Truck Crash Causes Fire and Bridge Collapse
Aiken, South Carolina Faces Aftermath of Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Storm Causes Fatality and Damage in CSRA
Major Hazardous Materials Spill Causes Closures on I-20

Additional Resources

• WRDW
• Wikipedia: Bridge failure
• WYFF4
• Google Search: I-20 bridge collapse Aiken County
• WLTX
• Google Scholar: bridge collapse
• WFXG
• Encyclopedia Britannica: bridge engineering
• Augusta Chronicle
• Google News: bridge collapse

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.