Chevrolet Malibu crossed center line into oncoming traffic near Golf Course Road
March 13, 2026 | Lancaster, SC
Two individuals lost their lives in a tragic multi-vehicle accident in Lancaster County.
The incident unfolded on Airport Road near Golf Course Road, involving a head-on collision that underscores the dangers of roadway deviations.
Michael Ghent, 42, and Jokari Tharaeparambil, 25, died after a Chevrolet Malibu crossed into opposing traffic and collided with multiple vehicles on Airport Road in Lancaster County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, traveling north on Airport Road around 7:30 a.m., veered across the center line. It first collided head-on with a 2005 Ford F-250, and shortly after, it struck a 2013 Dodge Charger heading south.
- Date and Time: Friday, March 13, at approximately 7:30 a.m.
- Location: Airport Road near Golf Course Road, Lancaster, SC
- Vehicles Involved: 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005 Ford F-250, 2013 Dodge Charger
- Victims: Michael Ghent, 42, of Lancaster, Jokari Tharaeparambil, 25, of Heath Springs—both pronounced dead at the scene
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and driver assignments not yet disclosed
Authorities continue to examine the factors leading to this devastating accident, emphasizing road safety in the area.
Why Do Head-On Collisions Occur?
Head-on crashes, though comprising just 2% of all accidents nationwide according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), result in severe outcomes. They account for a significant portion of fatal incidents due to the direct collision forces involved.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of All Accidents |
2% |
NHTSA |
Fatality Rate Among Crash Types |
Approximately 28.7% |
NHTSA |
Common Causes |
Distracted driving, speeding, and impairment |
Federal Highway Administration |
This table highlights key data on head-on collisions, drawing from federal reports to inform public awareness.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving multi-vehicle accidents, an independent investigation plays a crucial role in uncovering the full circumstances.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of the victim must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
- Key Takeaway 1: Prompt legal review protects evidence integrity and family rights.
- Key Takeaway 2: Specialized teams can reconstruct circumstances to support compensation claims.
- Key Takeaway 3: Families may pursue remedies for losses incurred in such tragedies.
Pending results from the ongoing investigation, relatives of those affected could explore options for wrongful death claims, seeking damages for companionship loss, pain, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand the hardships that families face, and it’s crucial to protect their rights. A wrongful death lawyer will keep abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are safeguarded.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).