COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland County deputies said a chase between a suspect and law enforcement ended in a fatal crash that backed up traffic at one of the busiest intersections in Columbia.
Deputies said the incident began around 2:30 p.m. Friday when they saw a wanted suspect out of Lexington County driving a Nissan Versa. The sheriff's department said the suspect was wanted for narcotics but did not give further details.
Deputies said they attempted to stop the suspect, but the person kept driving, and a chase began. Around I-126 near Colonial Life Boulevard, deputies say the suspect intentionally swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on with another vehicle. Deputies say two other vehicles were hit during the collision.
The sheriff's department said the suspect died at the scene while the person in one of the other vehicles was taken to the hospital for treatment.
I-126 East coming into Columbia was closed while crews investigated. Because of that investigation, traffic could not exit off I-26 East onto I-126, leading to heavy traffic backups on I-26 East.
At 7:12 p.m., the South Carolina Department of Transportation said the crash had been cleared.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the collision.