1 dead, 1 injured in US 278 wreck that blocked traffic near Okatie Thursday, officials say
A 25-year-old Okatie man died Thursday after a two-car crash on U.S. 278 near the New River Auto Mall, police said.
Alec Tolon, the driver of one of the vehicles, died as the result of a head injury, according to Jasper County Coroner Martin Sauls. Tolon died after being flown to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah on Thursday afternoon, he said.
The driver of the second vehicle was not injured but a passenger was and was transported to Coastal Carolina Hospital for treatment, according to S.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Tyler Tidwell.
The crash occurred at 12:02 p.m. near Auto Mall Boulevard. A 2008 Lincoln Navigator was traveling east on U.S. 278. A 2005 Pontiac Vibe, driven by Tolon, was traveling west and was attempting a left-hand turn into a private driveway when it was struck, Tidwell said. All of those involved in the wreck were wearing seatbelts, he said.
All lanes of U.S. 278 were blocked for over an hour because of the collision. Those lanes are now open.
This story was originally published September 3, 2020 at 1:39 PM.
