|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
by WILL FOLKS
***
Interstate 95 in South Carolina – a disaster zone under the best of circumstances – was closed in both directions for several hours on Friday (January 23, 2026) due to a tanker fire.
The conflagration was revealed to the public at approximately 12:03 p.m. EST by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO).
“The interstate will remain closed for an extended period,” the agency warned on Facebook. “Drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid I-95 near mile marker 72 until further notice.”
Mile marker 72 is located near St. George, S.C., a town of 1,850 people situated approximately 46 miles northwest of downtown Charleston, S.C.
At 1:45 p.m. EST, the agency noted that the Interstate’s southbound lanes (headed from Santee, S.C. to Savannah, Georgia) had been reopened but its northbound lanes (headed in the opposite direction) remained shut down.
***
***
“Motorists are advised to continue using alternate routes and expect delays in the area,” the agency noted. “Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.”
The driver of the tanker was able to flee the vehicle before it was consumed by the blaze. According to local law enforcement, he managed to avoid any injury in connection with the incident.
This is a developing situation, so please check back in the event we are able to obtain updated information…
***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR…
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and eight children.
***
WANNA SOUND OFF?
Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our articles? Or an issue you’d like to address proactively? We have an open microphone policy! Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Got a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE.
