Traffic backup on I-26 lasts 9 hours

Andy Paras // The Post and Courier

Two tractor-trailers hauling wood chips crashed early Wednesday on Interstate 26 near the Ashley Phosphate Road overpass, tying up the eastbound lanes and other main arteries for nearly nine hours.

Two 18-wheelers hauling wood chips collided and erupted into a fireball on Interstate 26 early Wednesday, tying up the eastbound lanes and other main arteries for nearly nine hours.

Both truck drivers were rushed to Medical University Hospital. No charges have been filed as the S.C. Highway Patrol investigates.

The tractor-trailers were headed eastbound on I-26 near the Ashley Phosphate Road overpass about 3:40 a.m. when the first truck slowed down as it approached the construction zone. The second truck struck it from behind, sparking a fire that fed on wood chips both trucks were hauling to a paper mill, Lance Cpl. Bob Beres said.

The driver of the first truck, Samuel Rose, 40, of Charleston is in fair condition. Robbie Clark, 48, of Summerville, the driver of the second truck, is in serious condition. Both men were wearing seat belts, authorities said.

The wreck dumped piles of wood chips across all three lanes of traffic, as well as fuel and oil. Troopers closed the highway and rerouted commuters onto the Ashley Phosphate Road exit ramp and then back onto the interstate.

Traffic continued to move, but that didn't prevent the rush-hour traffic from backing up six miles to the College Park Road exit. Alternate routes didn't fare any better. Traffic on U.S. Highway 78 backed up to Summerville, and Rivers Avenue was backed up to Goose Creek.

Drivers vented their frustrations about the delays on social media while troopers urged motorists to use caution. At one point, a parked Highway Patrol cruiser was struck by a motorist while the trooper was outside of the car to help with traffic. No one was hurt.