UPDATED:
A segment of eastbound Interstate 26 in South Carolina is closed as crews work to repair damage left by a fiery crash that left three people dead.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Donna Renee Bailey of Marysville, Tennessee; 31-year old John Daniel Fink of Zirconia, North Carolina; and his 9-year-old son James Landon Fink. All were dead at the scene. Another motorist is being treated for burns.
Just before 8 a.m. Saturday, Interstate 26 was blocked with a wall of fire around exit 17. The crash early Saturday involved a tanker truck carrying diesel fuel or gasoline, along with a sport-utility vehicle and pickup.
According to SC Highway Patrol, a tractor trailer was involved in a crash that immediately closed down both sides of the Interstate.
Emergency crews on scene are working to put down the flames and remove the wreckage, but it will take quite some time.
North Spartanburg Fire District Assistant Chief Brent Lewis initially reported at least two people are confirmed dead and another was being treated for severe burns. As of 11:40 a.m. there are three confirmed deaths resulting from the crash.
The eastbound lanes opened up just before 10 a.m. but all westbound lanes will be closed until further notice.
If you are heading westbound towards exit 17, SC Highway Patrol suggests detouring at exit 18B to Interstate 85 N, then take exit 72 to US 176, which will take you to Interstate 26 W.