Multiple vehicle crash shuts down interstate

Published 10:21 pm Tuesday, February 16, 2021

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4 tractor-trailers and 4 vehicles involved Friday 

COLUMBUS—A chain reaction multiple vehicle crash occurred along Interstate 26 late Friday afternoon that sent 2 people to the hospital and the many people stuck on the interstate for hours. 

There were 4 vehicles and 4 tractor-trailers involved in the crash, that occurred around 5:10 p.m. last Friday near the 67 mile marker at the top of the Saluda Grade. 

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State troopers said a tractor-trailer jackknifed at the top of the grade and 2 vehicles rear-ended while trying to stop. Then 2 other vehicles slid in spilled diesel fuel before coming to a stop. Another tractor-trailer could not get stopped and pushed the last 2 vehicles into the jack-knife and went over the mountain, according to reports. There were also 2 other tractor-trailers involved in the crash. 

The interstate was shut down for several hours in both directions. 

Polk County Emergency Management Director Bobby Arledge said one of the truck drivers self extricated from his truck before it went over the guardrail. Local authorities cleared the scene at 3 a.m. Saturday but had to shut down that side of the interstate again Saturday to get a truck out. 

No deaths have been reported and it is not known the condition of the people who were transported to the hospital.