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Columbia, SC (April 6, 2026) – Two people lost their lives on Sunday, April 5, in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 77 in Richland County. The collision happened around 4:05 a.m. near the 10-mile marker, close to the junction with Fort Jackson Boulevard.

Authorities said a 2023 Toyota SUV was traveling north when a 2017 Chevrolet pickup truck drove south in the northbound lanes. The two vehicles crashed head-on, causing severe damage to both.

Officials identified the victims as 26-year-old William Vazquez-Hernadez of Lexington and 62-year-old Mark McCormick of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. Both drivers died at the scene from their injuries.

No other injuries were reported. Investigators have not released details about why the pickup truck was traveling in the wrong direction.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We also wish those hurt a swift recovery.

What Are the 3 Most Dangerous Roads in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, in South Carolina, has some of the most hazardous roads in the state, and the data backs it up. Richland County recorded 12,731 traffic collisions in 2023, accounting for 8.6% of all statewide crashes, with 65 fatal crashes among them.

Topping the list is Two Notch Road, widely considered the deadliest road in Columbia. Research by Go Safe Labs ranked the intersection of Two Notch Road and Trenholm Road Extension as the 6th most dangerous intersection in the entire country.

Heavy commercial traffic, nearby bus stops, parking lot activity, and on-ramps to the Charles F. Bolden Freeway all contribute to the elevated crash risk along this corridor.

Next is the I-20 and US-76 interchange, where 229 collisions were recorded in 2023 alone, resulting in 56 injuries and one fatality. The high volume of both local and regional traffic makes this one of the most accident-prone intersections in the Columbia metro area.

Rounding out the top three is "Malfunction Junction", the interchange where I-20 meets I-26. This heavily traveled crossroads recorded 91 collisions in a recent reporting period, including two fatal crashes and 22 additional injuries.

After the sudden loss of a loved one in a car accident in Columbia, you are probably feeling sad and even angry. Times like this one are not meant to be for handling paperwork and other bureaucreatic hurdles. But your right to pursue compensation in South Carolina is not perpetual; it expires three years after your loved one's passing.

A consultation with an experienced personal injury or wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal rights, identify the proper defendants, and ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

While no legal action can undo the loss of a loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial relief and a sense of accountability. If you are considering this step, The Arndt Law Firm is ready to assist you. Our legal team can review your case and explain your rights and options.

A wrongful death lawyer can explain how fatal accident claims may work under state law. Our legal team can also review available insurance policies, explain filing deadlines, and clarify what types of compensation may be available.

You can speak with The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 469-8777 today to discuss your situation and learn more about available options. 

Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact The Arndt Law Firm so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.