Wrong-way Chevy pickup truck struck Toyota SUV on Interstate 77
April 05, 2026 | Richland, SC
Two individuals lost their lives in a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 77 in Richland County, South Carolina.
The incident unfolded early on April 5 when a southbound pickup truck entered the northbound lanes, leading to a head-on collision.
Mark McCormick, 62, and William Vazquez-Hernandez, 26, died after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 77 in Richland County involving a pickup truck and an SUV.
What Happened in the Interstate 77 Collision?
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported the collision occurred in Richland County, highlighting the dangers of wrong-way driving on major highways.
- Victims: Mark McCormick, 62, from Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, William Vazquez-Hernandez, 26, from Lexington, South Carolina.
- Time: Approximately 4:07 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: A 2017 Chevrolet pickup truck traveling the wrong way and a 2023 Toyota SUV heading northbound.
- Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is leading the investigation.
- Status: Authorities have not yet determined which victim was driving which vehicle, and the investigation continues.
Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Occur?
Wrong-way accidents on interstates like I-77 often stem from multiple contributing factors. These incidents pose severe risks to all road users due to the high speeds and direct collisions involved.
Factor |
Description |
Statistics Source |
|---|
Driver Impairment |
Alcohol or drug influence impairs judgment, leading to missed signage. |
Up to 75% of wrong-way crashes involve DUI, per the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). |
Fatigue |
Drowsy drivers may confuse directions, especially at night. |
Contributes to 10-20% of highway errors, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). |
Distracted Driving |
Mobile devices or other distractions cause lane errors. |
CDC reports distractions in 8% of fatal crashes overall. |
Road Design Issues |
Inadequate signage or confusing interchanges. |
FHWA notes design flaws in 15% of wrong-way incidents. |
This table summarizes common causes, drawing from data by the NTSB, FHWA, and CDC to provide context on preventing such tragedies.
Legal Insights on Wrong-Way Highway Crashes
In cases such as this, thorough investigations play a crucial role in understanding crash dynamics and supporting affected families. National legal analysts emphasize the need for prompt, independent reviews to gather evidence effectively.
“A variety of factors can contribute to a wrong-way crash, including driver error, distracted driving, driver fatigue, and poor road design,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “One of the most common causes is driving under the influence, with NTSB data showing as many as 75 percent of these collisions linked to impaired drivers.”
Bond further noted the importance of legal involvement:
“In addition to police efforts, an attorney can review contributing elements, hire professionals, check driver histories, find witnesses, and assess insurance. This helps guide families compassionately while protecting their rights.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Preserve evidence quickly to build a strong case.
- Experienced witnesses can clarify complex factors like impairment or road conditions.
- Legal support ensures families receive fair compensation for losses.
For wrongful death scenarios following motor vehicle incidents, families may pursue claims for companionship loss, emotional distress, and suffering.
“The grief after losing a loved one can be overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death attorney keeps pace with investigations and safeguards legal interests.”
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).