Laurens County, SC — January 22, 2025, two people were injured in a multi-truck accident at approximately 8:30 a.m. along Interstate Highway 385.

According to authorities, the accident took place n the vicinity of the rest area off of I.H. 385 which is situated southeast of S.R. 30-31.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a tanker truck rammed into an 18-wheeler which was, in turn, pushed into a car carrier. The tanker also reportedly overturned over the course of the accident.

The person who had been behind the wheel of the tanker truck suffered critical injuries and had to be flown to an area hospital in order to receive immediate treatment. One person from the 18-wheeler was also injured and was driven to an area medical facility by EMS for care. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When crashes involve multiple large commercial vehicles, the complexity of the investigation often increases dramatically. With over 30 years of experience handling cases involving truck accidents, I know how essential it is to piece together the chain of events that led to such a serious incident. This collision raises several questions about what caused the tanker truck to collide with the 18-wheeler, setting off a chain reaction that also involved a car carrier.

Key aspects of the investigation will likely include determining whether the tanker driver was distracted, fatigued, or otherwise impaired at the time. Additionally, was the tanker truck itself in proper working condition? Issues such as brake failure or tire blowouts could have played a role. The condition of the road, while less likely to be the sole cause, may also warrant examination to see if it contributed to the driver's ability to react appropriately.

The role of the companies operating the involved vehicles also merits scrutiny. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets to high safety standards and ensuring their drivers are adequately trained to handle the unique challenges of the road. If shortcuts were taken in maintenance, training, or enforcement of hours-of-service rules, those decisions could have contributed to this crash.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth of what happened and provide answers to those affected by the wreck. Whether that involves analyzing the crash scene, inspecting the vehicles, or seeking expert input, all available evidence must be considered to ensure the injured parties have the clarity and closure they deserve.