Deadly I-85 Crash Near SC-GA Line Involving Tractor-Trailer Leaves One Dead, Three Injured
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. — A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 85 near the South Carolina–Georgia state line turned deadly Tuesday morning, leaving one man dead and three others injured.
The collision occurred around 6 a.m. near Exit 2, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and shut down all southbound lanes until about 1:30 p.m.
How the Crash Happened
Troopers said a 2016 Freightliner tractor-trailer rear-ended a 2013 Honda sedan, pushing it into a 2019 Chevrolet pickup truck. That pickup then collided with a 1998 Chevrolet truck ahead.
The Honda and tractor-trailer both crossed the cable barrier, slamming head-on into a 2015 Chevrolet pickup.
Victim Identified
The Oconee County Coroner identified the victim as 34-year-old Rafael B. Veloz of Buford, Georgia, who was driving the Honda.
Officials said Veloz was trapped in his car and had to be extricated. EMS attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead shortly after 7 a.m.
Others Injured
The drivers of all three Chevrolet pickups were injured and transported to local hospitals. The tractor-trailer driver was not hurt.
Investigators said the Honda and pickup trucks had been slowing for construction traffic when the crash occurred.
Investigation Ongoing
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the deadly collision.
Do you think construction zones on interstates should require stricter speed enforcement to prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
