Lexington County, South Carolina, August 12, 2025
News Summary
A fatal accident occurred early Sunday morning on Interstate 26 in Lexington County, South Carolina, resulting in the death of 24-year-old Jose Gomez Rivas. The crash involved a 2008 Mitsubishi Sedan that veered off the road, hit a guardrail, and overturned. Rivas, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident adds to the concerning statistics of road fatalities in the area, with ongoing investigations by authorities to determine the cause.
Lexington County Reports Fatal Collision on Interstate 26
A tragic crash on eastbound Interstate 26 in Lexington County, South Carolina, early Sunday morning resulted in the death of a 24-year-old driver. The incident occurred just after 12:15 a.m. near the 117-mile marker, involving a 2008 Mitsubishi Sedan.
The sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as Jose Gomez Rivas from West Columbia, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities reported that Rivas was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
According to preliminary investigations by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), Rivas’s vehicle veered off the left side of the interstate, struck a guardrail, and subsequently overturned. As of now, the exact cause of the vehicle leaving the roadway is still under investigation.
No other injuries were reported in the crash.
Traffic Fatalities in South Carolina
This incident marks another tragic addition to the alarming statistics regarding road safety in South Carolina. As of August 3, 2025, 497 fatalities have been recorded on state roads this year alone. In 2024, the number of road fatalities was significantly higher, reaching approximately 948.
In Lexington County, traffic incidents continue to pose a serious threat. So far in 2025, there have been 22 fatalities on the roads, while the previous year recorded 50 road fatalities.
The SCHP is actively investigating the fatal crash to determine the contributing factors, and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office is also conducting its investigation into this tragic incident. Authorities emphasize the importance of seatbelt use and the need for heightened safety awareness among drivers.
Ongoing Vigilance
As investigations evolve, the SCHP is committed to keeping the public informed about new developments regarding this case and ongoing safety initiatives. Local authorities continue to advocate for safe driving practices to prevent future accidents and fatalities on the roads.
FAQ
What happened in the crash on I-26 in Lexington County?
A crash early Sunday morning involved a 2008 Mitsubishi Sedan driven by 24-year-old Jose Gomez Rivas, resulting in his death after the vehicle struck a guardrail and overturned.
What is the current status of traffic fatalities in South Carolina?
As of August 3, 2025, there have been 497 fatalities on South Carolina roads this year, with a total of 948 fatalities recorded in 2024.
Is there an ongoing investigation into the crash?
Yes, both the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office are conducting investigations regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | August 3, 2025, just after 12:15 a.m. |
| Location | Eastbound Interstate 26, near the 117-mile marker, Lexington County, SC |
| Vehicle Involved | 2008 Mitsubishi Sedan |
| Driver | Jose Gomez Rivas, age 24, from West Columbia |
| Seatbelt Use | Not worn at the time of the crash |
| Road Fatality Statistics | 497 deaths in SC roads as of August 3, 2025; 22 fatalities in Lexington County this year |
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Driver Killed in Lexington County Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- The State: Traffic Incident Report
- Google Search: Lexington County traffic accidents
- WLTX: Fatal Crash in Lexington County
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety South Carolina
- Cola Daily: Motorcyclist Killed in Lexington County Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
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