“I’ve never seen anything like it”, State Rep. Bill Hixon speaks on weekend I-20 crash

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – There is an emphasis on road safety following Saturday morning’s tanker crash.

The crash and resulting fire caused part of the Vaucluse Road bridge to collapse and closed part of I-20. 

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has since removed what was left of that bridge and reopened the interstate.

While the accidents aren’t related, it’s now the second tanker crash in Aiken County in the span of a month.

Earlier last month, another tanker carrying hazardous materials crashed on the Highway 1 interchange at Exit 22.

Now this tanker crash has sent two to the hospital, and potentially millions of dollars in damage.

District 83 South Carolina Representative was at the scene most of the day Saturday.

“I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’ve been a volunteer fireman since 1977,” said Hixon.

He gives SCDOT and Secretary Justin Powell credit for reopening I-20 in the span of 36 hours.

“They had to test the temperature of the asphalt, they have to test the texture because it’s a federal highway. They have to make sure it’s back to standards, because if not they won’t be able to get the federal funding to pay for what was done there,” Hixon said.

Investigators with South Carolina Highway Patrol say the 2019 Tractor Trailer and a 2023 Dodge Charger were heading eastbound on I-20. 

The charger then collided with the tractor trailer, causing the accident.

“The minimum limits in our state for a car is $25,000, $50,000, and $25,000. So it’s $25,000 for liability, $50,000 for liability, and $25,000 for property damage. $25,000 in property damage does not cover the guardrail that was burned and torn up. But, we are able to go back as a state and apply for some federal emergency funds, I was told,” said Hixon.

As we’re still in the middle of the “100 Deadliest Days”, the accident is making drivers coming through more cautious as they get back on the roads. 

“Being a little older, I drive a little slower and safer. I set my cruise control to 69 and let people pass me a little bit, and don’t tailgate,” said Bill Gregory.

“It’s normal now for people to speed like crazy. Weaving in and out of traffic can be scary sometimes, so you just have to watch your speed,” Melinda Gregory.

Both drivers in the crash were taken to the hospital, but there are no updates on their conditions. 

The investigation is ongoing, and charges are unknown at this time.

We’ve also reached out to SCDOT to see if they are starting to work on plans to rebuild the Vaucluse Road bridge.

Hixon estimates it will take more than a year to get it rebuilt.