GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – South I-85, Friday afternoon, was the perfect picture of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
A five-car pileup blocked two lanes of Interstate 85 southbound in Greenville County for several hours Friday afternoon.
According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the crash happened on I-85 southbound around a half-mile before Exit 54, which is the Pelham Road exit.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the five-vehicle crash, including a tractor-trailer, caused a 100-gallon diesel spill, which closed two lanes.
They said diesel fuel really damages pavement.
“It’s going to be a nightmare for our SCDOT, I’m sure,” said Kris Coker.
At least one lane was repaved, which caused the backup to last hours.
“On Friday too, everybody’s trying to rush get home anyways, rushing to get to the bank, all of that stuff. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of people, hopefully no more accidents,” said Coker.
Kris Coker was one of the drivers stuck in the traffic. He said the area always has traffic, but not like what he saw Friday afternoon.
“At first, I was like okay, this looks normal, and then nothing was moving. So, I was like okay, something’s definitely going on,” he said. “So, instead of just sitting there I figured I would pull over and text my wife and tell her what’s going on. It’s crazy.”
He encourages people to pay attention while behind the wheel.
“Just know that your life is valuable, and people love you and care about you. it doesn’t matter what’s going on traffic wise, it’s more important to stay safe on the roads,” he said.
Highway Patrol said there were only minor injuries in the crash.
Lanes reopened around 5:15 p.m.
