North Myrtle Beach, SC — Lanes Blocked After Two-Car Crash and Vehicle Fire on Old Hwy 31

North Myrtle Beach, SC (April 27, 2026) — Emergency crews responded to a serious two-vehicle collision on Friday, April 24, that resulted in a vehicle fire and significant traffic delays. The accident occurred at the intersection of Old Highway 31 and War Eagle Court.

Upon arrival, first responders found one of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames. Firefighting teams were able to quickly extinguish the blaze and bring the situation under control. Due to the wreckage and the fire response, lanes of Old Highway 31 were blocked for an extended period, forcing commuters to seek alternate routes.

While the fire was successfully suppressed, officials have not yet released details regarding the condition of the occupants involved.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol took over the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Our thoughts are with those affected as they recover from this incident.

Post-Collision Vehicle Fires: What You Need to Know for Your Legal Claim in South Carolina

A car fire adds a dangerous and complex layer to a standard traffic accident. If you were involved in these types of crashes, understanding how a fire impacts evidence and insurance liability is critical for your recovery.

When a vehicle catches fire following an impact, it often suggests a high-speed collision or a significant breach of the fuel or electrical systems. A legal investigation will focus on whether the fire was caused purely by the force of the crash or if a mechanical defect, such as a faulty fuel line or battery casing, contributed to the blaze. If a defect is found, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer in addition to a negligence claim against the other driver.

Fire can destroy physical evidence like paint transfers, skid marks, and interior "black box" data. However, the local authorities' reconstruction team uses specialized tools to analyze charred wreckage. It is vital to ensure that the burnt vehicle is not moved to a scrap yard or crushed before an independent expert can inspect it. 

In addition to typical collision injuries like whiplash or fractures, victims of vehicle fires often face:

• Inhalation Injuries: Smoke and toxic fumes from burning plastics and upholstery can cause long-term respiratory damage.
• Burn Trauma: Even if the flames don't touch an occupant, the extreme radiant heat inside a vehicle can cause serious burns.
• Psychological Trauma: The experience of being trapped in or near a burning vehicle can lead to significant PTSD.

Under South Carolina law, you are entitled to seek damages for all medical treatments related to these injuries, as well as the emotional distress caused by the life-threatening nature of a fire.

For guidance on injury claims following a crash in Horry County or elsewhere in South Carolina, contact The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 469‑8777. An experienced South Carolina car accident attorney can help you understand your options and assist in seeking fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

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.