Blown tire leads to I-26 crash in Orangeburg County, major traffic backups

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WCSC) - Crews airlifted the driver of an 18-wheeler after a tire blew out and the vehicle overturned.

The crash happened in the westbound lanes of I-26 at 9:33 a.m. near Five Chop Road at mile marker 154, according to Highway Patrol Trooper First Class Tyer Tidwell.

The crash left the driver entrapped in the vehicle and EMS airlifted him to Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, Tidwell said.

The crash initially blocked all westbound lanes of the interstate. The right lane reopened briefly at approximately 11:36 a.m. before being closed again shortly after noon. As of 12:31 p.m., the right lane had reopened, troopers said.

Tidwell said the scene was cleared and all lanes reopened at approximately 3:45 p.m.

Update: Collision; I-26 WB: at Exit154A, lft ln clsd, Ocrd: 9:33AM.| 12:31P
— SCDOT Low Country (@SCDOTLowCountry) May 17, 2019

Traffic maps earlier indicated the lane closures backed up traffic for approximately eight miles.

Several police, fire and EMS crews are on scene.

Tidwell said the driver was found to have suffered minor injuries in the crash.

TRAFFIC ALERT: All lanes blocked on I-26 WB in Orangeburg County at MM 154 (Five Chop Rd). This will impact people traveling away from the Lowcountry. Working to get more info #chsnews #scnews #sctrfc #chstrfc @Live5Traffic @Live5News pic.twitter.com/GI5zp6fRhv
— Abbey O'Brien (@abbeyobrien) May 17, 2019