News Summary
A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 85 early Sunday morning led to the loss of three lives when a Honda sedan collided with a Toyota sedan and a Ford SUV. The accident has raised concerns about road safety in Spartanburg County, which is experiencing increasing traffic fatalities. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the causes of the incident as local officials push for enhanced awareness about safe driving practices.
Spartanburg County, South Carolina – Three individuals lost their lives early Sunday morning in a tragic multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 85. The accident, which occurred around 12:15 a.m. near mile marker 75, involved a 2015 Honda sedan that was driving south in the northbound lanes of the highway.
The Honda sedan collided head-on with a 2019 Toyota sedan that was traveling in the correct direction. The impact also caused the Honda to strike a 2024 Ford Expedition, which was also heading north. All three occupants of the Honda, along with both the driver and a passenger in the Toyota, died at the scene of the crash.
The victims of the accident have been identified as Nicholas Sinclair Young, aged 36; Venustiano Rosendo Dionicio, 49; and Diana Ortega Vargas, 47. While the driver of the Ford SUV and its five passengers were fortunately unharmed, the loss of life has raised significant concerns among local officials.
As of now, the cause of the Honda’s wrong-way driving is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Investigators are looking into various factors that could have contributed to the incident, though no details have been released regarding whether seat belts were in use by the deceased occupants.
This incident adds to the alarming statistics surrounding traffic fatalities in Spartanburg County, which has been identified as leading the state in such cases for the year 2025. By June 1, 2025, a total of 316 people had lost their lives due to crashes on South Carolina roads. In Spartanburg County alone, there were at least 38 traffic fatalities reported for 2025, a stark increase compared to 60 fatalities in the entirety of 2024.
Officials are expressing concerns related to various driving behaviors that contribute to accidents, including distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues its investigation into this specific crash, the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office is also involved, ensuring that proper notifications are made regarding the deceased victims before releasing additional details.
In light of this tragic event, community leaders and officials are pushing for heightened awareness and safety measures on the roads, as the ongoing increase in traffic-related deaths remains a pressing issue. Each fatal accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, urging motorists to remain vigilant to help reduce the number of such tragic incidents in the future.
The investigation remains active, and further updates are anticipated as officials gather more information regarding the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate series of events. The affected families and loved ones of the deceased are sure to be in the thoughts of many as the community processes this devastating loss.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Three Dead in Wrong-Way Crash on I-85
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Fox Carolina: 3 Dead after Multi-Vehicle Wrong-Way Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- The State: Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on I-85
- Google Search: Spartanburg County traffic accidents
- WLTX: South Carolina Wrong-Way Crash
- Google News: Traffic Fatalities South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
