COLUMBIA — A Columbia man died Wednesday morning after his car entered an intersection and was struck by a tractor-trailer, Lexington County authorities said. The collision, which also involved a third vehicle, occurred shortly before 7 a.m. at the intersection of W.E. Jeffcoat Road and South Carolina Highway 6 in Swansea.
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher identified the victim as Donerell M. Lykes, 36. According to the coroner’s office, Lykes was driving north on W.E. Jeffcoat Road and did not stop at a stop sign before entering the intersection, where an eastbound tractor-trailer struck his vehicle.
What investigators say happened
Fisher’s office reported that Lykes was not wearing a seat belt. He was ejected from his Kia Rio and was then struck by a third vehicle that was traveling west on Highway 6. Lykes was declared dead at the scene.
Officials said the crash is under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the tractor-trailer suffered injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The third vehicle — described by the South Carolina Highway Patrol as a dark-colored sedan — left the scene before first responders arrived. Troopers have not publicly identified the drivers involved or released additional details about charges or crash dynamics.
Local impact and safety reminders
The crash closed or slowed traffic in the area during the morning commute while emergency crews responded. Residents traveling between Lexington County and Columbia should expect possible delays at this intersection while investigators continue their work.
- Victim: Donerell M. Lykes, 36, Columbia
- Location: W.E. Jeffcoat Road at SC Highway 6, Swansea (Lexington County)
- Time: Shortly before 7 a.m. Wednesday
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coroner | Margaret Fisher |
| Investigating agencies | South Carolina Highway Patrol; Lexington County Coroner’s Office |
| Third vehicle | Dark-colored sedan; left scene |
Authorities have not released a full collision reconstruction or indicated whether any citations have been issued. The Highway Patrol and coroner’s office are continuing the investigation and may release further information as it becomes available.
For Columbia residents, the crash is a reminder of the dangers at rural intersections and the importance of following posted stop signs and wearing seat belts. Drivers who may have witnessed the crash or who have dash-cam footage are asked to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol to assist investigators.
News Block will provide updates as Lexington County and state troopers release additional findings.
