Traffic Snarled in Bluffton Following Semi-Truck Blaze
Bluffton was the scene of some serious traffic woes on Tuesday afternoon when a semi-truck caught fire on U.S. 278. Around 4:10 p.m., the driver noticed smoke billowing from the back of the trailer and quickly pulled over to the shoulder of the highway, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and local fire officials.
How It All Started
The trouble began when a rear wheel on the large 18-wheeler locked up, generating enough friction to ignite a small fire. This incident quickly escalated, leading to a significant interruption in traffic as the western lanes of U.S. 278 were temporarily closed while firefighters moved in to control the situation.
First Responders Jump into Action
Stephen Combs, a spokesperson for the Bluffton Township Fire District, shared how crews on the scene initially attempted to contain the fire with fire extinguishers. Unfortunately, those efforts proved to be inadequate to cool the overheated brakes. Fire crews arrived promptly and worked diligently to suppress the fire, which they successfully managed by around 4:21 p.m.
Impacts on Traffic
The minor blaze led to the closure of all westbound lanes of U.S. 278 near Bluffton Road, causing considerable traffic delays. According to real-time updates from traffic cameras, drivers faced a seven-mile traffic jam extending from the crash site, impacting other nearby routes including Bluffton Road and Bluffton Parkway. As citizens began making their way home for the day, it was quite the chaotic scene on the roads.
Reopening the Lanes
After the fire was brought under control, first responders opened the left westbound lane of Fording Island Road to allow some traffic to flow again. However, the right and center westbound lanes of U.S. 278 continued to remain closed as of 5 p.m., causing continued frustration for those caught in the gridlock.
A Close Call
Drivers and passengers who witnessed the event were understandably rattled. The fact that no injuries were reported is certainly a relief. Each of these situations serves as a reminder of how quickly things can escalate on the road, but it’s also a testament to the hard work and efficiency of our local firefighters and emergency responders.
Final Thoughts
As with any incident on busy highways, patience is crucial during these times. It’s always best to seek alternative routes when possible and to stay updated on traffic conditions. For the residents and visitors of Bluffton, there’s never a dull moment, is there? Let’s hope for smooth sailing on our roads for the foreseeable future!
