News Summary
A serious tractor-trailer accident in Aiken has led to the collapse of the Old Vaucluse Road overpass onto Interstate 20. The truck, carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline, caught fire after the crash, resulting in road closures and minor injuries to two people. Emergency crews worked to extinguish the flames, and repairs are underway to expedite the reopening of the roadway. There have been no reported fatalities, but an investigation is ongoing.
Aiken, South Carolina – A serious accident involving a tractor-trailer carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline has caused the Old Vaucluse Road overpass to collapse onto Interstate 20 (I-20), resulting in significant road closures and minor injuries to two individuals. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Saturday morning when the truck crashed and subsequently caught fire beneath the overpass.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has confirmed that the bridge, located at mile marker 13, has been deemed a total loss. Emergency crews, consisting of 35 personnel from nine fire departments, rushed to the scene to combat the flames. Approximately 10,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the fire, which burned intensely for several hours.
In the aftermath of the incident, two individuals were transported to Wellstar Hospital in Augusta for treatment of their injuries. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities connected to the crash and fire. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Traffic and Road Closures
The collision has resulted in the closure of I-20 in both directions between Bettis Academy Road and Edgefield Highway, with detours set up for affected motorists. Old Vaucluse Road has also been closed until further notice, causing disruption to local traffic patterns. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and adhere to reduced speed limits while navigating the detours, which are being monitored by South Carolina Highway Patrol officers.
A demolition team has arrived at the site and is actively working to clear the debris from the collapsed overpass. This work began shortly after the incident, with plans to expedite the process overnight. The SCDOT is also prioritizing the repaving of the interstate and the installation of new guardrails, with hopes of reopening the roadway as soon as early next week.
Preparations for Restoration
Local asphalt plants have been placed on standby in anticipation of reopening the roadway following potential damage caused by the incident. The situation has triggered the SCDOT to initiate an emergency contract aimed at speeding up the inspection and removal of the bridge.
As crews work around the clock to restore the interstate and manage traffic flow, updates regarding the progress of the restoration will be shared regularly. Residents and travelers are encouraged to stay informed and plan their routes accordingly until the situation is resolved.
Background Context
Bridge collapses can have detrimental effects on local infrastructure and traffic patterns, often requiring extensive repairs and rescheduling of construction projects. The SCDOT routinely assesses the safety and integrity of bridges throughout the state to prevent occurrences like this from happening. Following this incident, the department is likely to conduct a thorough examination of nearby bridges and overpasses to ensure their safety.
The community’s safety remains a top priority, and emergency responders continue to work diligently to mitigate the impact of this unfortunate event. Further details about the investigation’s findings and the timeline for repairs will be released as they become available.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Fiery Tanker Crash Collapses Bridge
- Wikipedia: Bridge Failure
- WJBF: Fiery Crash Shuts Down I-20
- Google Search: Bridge collapse South Carolina
- WFXG: Update on Bridge Collapse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Structural Failure
- Post and Courier: Tanker Crash on I-20
- Google News: Tanker crash Aiken County
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.
