Overturned 18-Wheeler Temporarily Closes I-77 Southbound in Rock Hill

ROCK HILL, S.C. – An Overturned 18-Wheeler Causes Massive Disruption

Early Monday morning, an 18-wheeler overturned on I-77 southbound near Rock Hill, leading to a massive disruption. The incident had the roadway closed for several hours leading to traffic backing up for miles.

Morning Commute Nightmare

The early morning of December 11, 2023, resulted in a commuting nightmare for motorists using I-77 southbound. The unfortunate event transformed the usually busy freeway into a standstill of cars stretching miles back.

Response from Authorities and Traffic Diversions

The York County Sheriff’s Office was quick to report the incident and suggested a detour at exit 77. In cooperation with South Carolina Highway Patrol, drivers were assisted onto Anderson Road to Porter Road and then back onto the I-77. By 11:45 a.m., the crash had partially been cleared, and one lane of the road was reopened.

Cause of the Accident and Potential Injuries

As of yet, the York County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol haven’t revealed what caused the accident or if there were any injuries. The investigation into the accident is still ongoing, and the authorities are keen to get to the bottom of it. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to come forward, to help prevent such accidents in the future.

Impact on Traffic and Local Residents

The accident caused significant disruption to the local community. Non-local drivers were caught unaware resulting in a frustrating delay, while local residents were forced to reckon with a surge in vehicles on alternative routes.

Continued Investigation and Cleanup

As of now, the roadway incident site has partially been cleared, and one lane is reopened. Yet the recovery and cleanup operation continue, with local authorities, recovery vehicles, and incident response units working tirelessly to ensure normal flow of traffic resumes soon. While one lane is now open for use, local motorists are urged to continue to practice caution while driving past the incident area.

Travel Advice: Patience and Safety First

Even with one lane open, full passage will require time. It’s crucial that drivers remain patient, adhere to the temporary traffic measures in place, and keep safety a priority. Adapting to temporary routes and staying vigilant for traffic updates will ensure the steady movement and safety of everyone on the road.

Seeking Witnesses for Improved Road Safety

Officials are keen to understand the cause of the incident better, to prevent similar accidents in the future. Therefore, anyone with any information related to the incident is urged to share their account, to contribute to improved safety on the roads and bring clarity to the situation.