Chevy SUV veered into path of oncoming tractor-trailer at intersection
March 28, 2026 | York, SC
Two Lancaster residents lost their lives in a tragic afternoon crash involving a tractor-trailer on S.C. Highway 72, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Rachel Adams, 49, and George Junior Twitty, 44, died after their SUV collided with a tractor-trailer on S.C. Highway 72 at Autumnwood Road in York County.
The victims were identified by the York County Coroner’s Office as Rachel Adams, 49, and George Junior Twitty, 44. The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. when the Chevy SUV carrying Adams and Twitty, traveling northbound, attempted a turn onto Autumnwood Road and collided head-on with a southbound tractor-trailer.
Both occupants of the SUV died at the scene. The tractor-trailer driver sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: March 28, around 2 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of S.C. Highway 72 (Saluda Road) and Autumnwood Road, York County
- Vehicles Involved: Chevrolet SUV and tractor-trailer
- Fatalities: Rachel Adams, 49, and George Junior Twitty, 44, both from Lancaster
- Injuries: Tractor-trailer driver hospitalized, condition unknown
- Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation
This devastating accident highlights the dangers of highway intersections, where turning maneuvers can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Traffic fatalities have surged due to various factors, primarily driver behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, and distractions from mobile devices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 8,055 motor vehicle deaths in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
Factor |
Description |
NHTSA Statistic (Q1 2025) |
|---|
Speeding |
Exceeding posted limits increases crash severity |
Contributed to 29% of fatalities |
Distracted Driving |
Cellphone use diverts attention from the road |
Involved in 8% of deadly crashes |
Impaired Driving |
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction |
Responsible for 25% of deaths |
Intersection Errors |
Failure to yield during turns |
Common in 20% of rural highway incidents |
Data sourced from NHTSA and Federal Highway Administration reports.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, an independent review can uncover critical details beyond initial police findings. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline, emphasizes the value of thorough examinations.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
Key takeaways from such investigations include:
- Prompt evidence collection preserves vital information that may degrade over time.
- Witness statements and digital records can clarify fault in complex collisions.
- Families benefit from efficient reviews to support potential claims.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addresses the broader implications for affected families.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one. If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Pending results from the ongoing investigation, relatives of those killed may pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation for companionship loss, suffering, and distress.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).