News Summary

A truck accident in Aiken County led to a fiery blaze and the complete destruction of the Old Vaucluse Road overpass on Interstate 20. The incident, which occurred early Saturday morning, resulted in the closure of I-20 in both directions while local emergency teams tackled the fire. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, although two individuals were hospitalized with minor injuries. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is overseeing the cleanup and plans for bridge reconstruction.

Aiken County – A tractor-trailer carrying approximately 8,500 gallons of gasoline crashed and caught fire early Saturday morning, June 14, resulting in the total loss of the Old Vaucluse Road overpass on Interstate 20. The incident occurred around 4 a.m., sending flames engulfing the truck and causing the bridge to collapse onto the interstate.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) responded swiftly by closing the affected section of I-20 in both directions between Bettis Academy Road and Edgefield Highway. Currently, a detour has been established for eastbound traffic, advising vehicles to take Exit 6 to Interstate 520 westbound, then proceed to U.S. 1, connect to S.C. 118 and S.C. 19, before returning to I-20. Westbound traffic will follow the reverse route as part of the detour.

Local law enforcement, alongside fire departments from nine jurisdictions with about 35 personnel, tackled the fire using approximately 10,000 gallons of water. Minor injuries were reported, prompting the transportation of two individuals to a hospital in Augusta. Their current condition remains unknown, though no fatalities have been recorded from this incident.

SCDOT has announced plans to carry out demolition of the damaged bridge and to repair any affected asphalt in a timely manner. An emergency contract has already been established with United Infrastructure to ensure effective cleanup and thorough inspection of the incident site. It is anticipated that the I-20 highway could potentially reopen by early next week, although reconstructing the bridge above Old Vaucluse Road may take several months to complete.

Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer has issued a warning to drivers regarding the expected decrease in speeds on the detour routes, which will reduce from the interstate speeds of 70 to 80 mph down to local limits of 40 to 55 mph. Additionally, the South Carolina Highway Patrol will be on-site to monitor traffic and assist drivers navigating the detour.

Travelers in the vicinity are encouraged to plan ahead, exercise patience, and prioritize careful driving through the affected area to ensure their safety and that of others.

The incident underscores the importance of rapid response from local law enforcement and emergency services in mitigating the potential consequences of such accidents. The total loss of the bridge highlights ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety and the urgent need for repairs and improvements in the region’s highways.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials and the corresponding response protocols that are set in place to deal with such emergencies effectively.

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Author: hereaiken