Early on Saturday morning, June 14, 2025, a dramatic incident unfolded on Interstate 20 in Aiken County, South Carolina, when a tractor-trailer carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline crashed and caught fire beneath the Old Vaucluse Road overpass. The fiery crash caused the overpass bridge to collapse, shutting down a vital stretch of I-20 that connects Augusta, Georgia, and Columbia, South Carolina.
The Graniteville Vaucluse Warrenville Fire Department responded to the scene around 4 a.m. at the 13-mile marker. Chief Alan Kneece reported that when crews arrived, the tanker was already engulfed in flames beneath the bridge. Despite the swift efforts of nine fire departments, 35 personnel, and the use of 10,000 gallons of water, the intense fire led to the collapse of the bridge shortly after firefighting efforts began.
South Carolina Highway Patrol Captain Joseph Elliott confirmed that two individuals involved in the crash were transported to a hospital in Augusta, Georgia, though he did not provide details on their conditions. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The collapse has caused significant disruption. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) described the overpass as "damaged beyond repair, requiring demolition and removal." Demolition work began immediately on Saturday, with crews working overnight to clear debris and prepare for repaving and guardrail repairs. SCDOT expressed a goal to reopen the interstate by early the week of June 16, 2025.
However, the Old Vaucluse Road overpass itself is being treated as a separate emergency contract and is expected to take several months to fully reconstruct. Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell emphasized that crews will work nonstop to restore both the interstate and the overhead roadway. "We will continue to work around the clock until this issue is resolved," Powell said during a briefing.
In the meantime, motorists face significant detours and delays. I-20 between Bettis Academy Road and Edgefield Highway (Highway 19) is closed in both directions, and Old Vaucluse Road remains shut until further notice. SCDOT has established detour routes to help drivers navigate around the closure.
For eastbound traffic heading toward Columbia, drivers are advised to take I-520 west to Jefferson Davis Highway, then use Robert M. Bell Highway to US 1 before rejoining I-20. Westbound travelers heading toward Augusta are recommended to use Edgefield Highway to Edgefield Road in Trenton before returning to I-20.
These detours involve switching from interstate speeds to surface roads, prompting Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer to urge extreme caution. "Drivers should be very careful due to the decreased speed limits and increased traffic congestion on these alternate routes," he said. Additionally, Captain Elliott noted that troopers will be stationed along detour routes to assist drivers and encouraged anyone experiencing vehicle issues to contact the Highway Patrol at HP (47).
The closure has already caused traffic congestion, with diversions at mile markers 11 and 18 funneling vehicles off the interstate. Officials have urged anyone who can avoid traveling through the area to do so, given the expected delays.
Drone footage released by local media vividly captured the extent of the damage, showing the collapsed bridge and the surrounding debris that has blocked this crucial transportation artery.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to accidents involving hazardous materials. The presence of a fuel tanker carrying a large volume of gasoline intensified the severity of the crash and subsequent fire, leading to the total loss of the overpass.
While no fatalities were reported, the disruption to traffic and the lengthy recovery process underscore the challenges faced by emergency responders and transportation officials in managing such crises. The coordinated effort among multiple fire departments and state agencies has been crucial in containing the blaze and beginning the cleanup and repair process.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates to the public and working diligently to restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, residents and commuters are advised to plan for extra travel time and heed all safety warnings while the cleanup and reconstruction efforts proceed.
As the investigation into the crash’s cause continues, authorities remain focused on ensuring safety and minimizing further disruptions along this important interstate corridor.
