St. Matthews, SC, September 1, 2025
News Summary
A vehicle fire on Interstate 26 near St. Matthews halted all westbound traffic, leading to significant delays. The fire was caused by a crash involving a car hauler. Traffic congestion extended for miles, and detours were established to alleviate the impact. Authorities are monitoring the situation and drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible.
St. Matthews, South Carolina – A vehicle fire on Interstate 26 completely obstructed all westbound lanes heading toward Columbia on Sunday morning, causing significant traffic delays. The incident occurred at the 137-mile marker in Calhoun County, just near the Lexington County line. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) reported that the fire resulted from a single-vehicle crash involving a car hauler, which subsequently caught fire.
Traffic reports indicated that not only were the westbound lanes closed, but one eastbound lane heading toward Charleston was also affected due to the flames. Master Trooper William Bennett provided details that showed the car hauler engulfed in flames with multiple vehicles it was transporting also on fire.
As a result of the fire, vehicles became backed up for miles, leading to significant traffic congestion, as observed by traffic monitoring systems. In response, SCDOT established a detour at Exit 139, redirecting drivers away from I-26 to help alleviate the gridlock.
Traffic camera footage captured long stretches of I-26 devoid of vehicles after the detour was set up, a clear sign of the disruption caused by the incident. Authorities have not yet provided detailed information regarding potential injuries or the exact cause of the vehicle crash. As of now, it remains uncertain how long the detour will remain in effect or when all lanes will be reopened.
Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area if possible and to expect substantial delays during the recovery operation. Traffic conditions are being monitored continuously, and this story is still developing with updates being issued as new information becomes available.
Incident Overview
- Location: I-26 at 137-mile marker, St. Matthews, SC (Calhoun County)
- Date: Sunday morning
- Cause: Vehicle fire from a single-vehicle crash involving a car hauler
- Traffic Impact: All westbound lanes closed; one eastbound lane also affected
- Detours: Established at Exit 139 for westbound traffic
Background Context
Interstate 26 serves as a critical route for both local and long-distance travelers in South Carolina. The stretch near St. Matthews has a history of vehicular traffic that makes incidents like this more impactful. The response from emergency services and transportation agencies aims to minimize disruption and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.
Traffic Safety Recommendations
- Plan alternate routes if traveling through the area.
- Use real-time traffic applications for updates on congestion.
- Stay informed about lane closures and detours.
FAQ
- What caused the vehicle fire on I-26?
- The fire was caused by a single-vehicle crash involving a car hauler.
- Where did the incident happen?
- The incident occurred at the 137-mile marker of I-26 near St. Matthews, SC.
- Are there any reported injuries related to this incident?
- No immediate information has been provided regarding injuries.
- How long is the detour expected to remain in place?
- It is currently unknown how long the detour will last.
- What should drivers do if they need to travel in the area?
- Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes to avoid delays.
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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