CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — (UPDATE, 5:00 p.m.) — A motorcyclist died Thursday morning after colliding with an 18-wheeler on Clements Ferry Road, according to the Charleston Police Department.
Officers responded to the crash at approximately 6:40 a.m. near Marina Drive. Preliminary reports indicate the motorcycle, heading north, struck the rear of the 18-wheeler as it entered the roadway, ejecting the rider who collided with a shipping container on the trailer.
The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident.
The Charleston Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is currently investigating. No charges have been filed at this time.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s identity after notifying the next of kin.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Traffic Unit at 843-965-4084 or submit tips online.
The crash marks the sixth fatal traffic-related incident investigated by Charleston police in 2026, which includes one single-vehicle crash, one bicycle incident, three pedestrian-related events, and one multi-vehicle collision.
(UPDATE) — All lanes on Clements Ferry Road have reopened following the incident.
(ORIGINAL) — The earlier crash prompted lane closures on Clements Ferry Road near Marina Drive, causing significant traffic delays on I-526 eastbound and westbound at the Clements Ferry interchange.
Traffic was diverted around the scene due to debris on the roadway. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.