Multi-Car Crash Involving Richland County Deputy on Harbison Boulevard
Several vehicles damaged near Woodcross Drive as emergency crews transport motorists to area hospitals.
By Javar Juarez | New Progressive Journal | October 9, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A multi-vehicle crash involving a Richland County Sheriff's Department deputy sent emergency crews to Harbison Boulevard near Woodcross Drive Friday morning. Several motorists, including families with young children, were involved in the collision.
The crash occurred around 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. near the Interstate 26 interchange. At least three vehicles were involved, including a GMC Sierra pickup truck, a Mazda passenger vehicle and a sheriff's department vehicle.
Ambulances, fire trucks and law enforcement officers responded to the scene.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated several occupants, and at least one person was transported by ambulance.
A motorist involved in the crash told New Progressive Journal that their vehicle was stopped at a traffic signal when the collision occurred.
"We were just at the red light right here. This deputy had the blue lights on," the motorist said.
The motorist also reported that the deputy's vehicle struck his vehicle.
The father and young boy were among the occupants of the GMC Sierra pickup truck. Both appeared alert following the collision, although emergency personnel evaluated the child at the scene.
Another family traveling in a Mazda was also involved. According to accounts from the scene, the Mazda reportedly made the initial contact with the deputy’s vehicle, triggering the multi-car collision.
New Progressive Journal observed emergency responders assisting motorists and preparing individuals for ambulance transport. The extent of their injuries has not been confirmed.
Sheriff's Department Responds
Richland County Sheriff's Department Major Stephen Tapler was present at the scene as emergency crews attended to those involved.
Initial information from the scene indicated that the deputy was doing well. The Sheriff's Department has not released a formal statement detailing the deputy's injuries or medical condition.
Authorities have not established the cause of the crash or confirmed whether the deputy was responding to an emergency call when the collision occurred.
The crash occurred along a heavily traveled section of Harbison Boulevard near Interstate 26, where motorists navigate multiple intersections, commercial entrances and interstate traffic.
Visibility and limited sight lines remain concerns along portions of the corridor, particularly near intersections where traffic converges.
Friday morning’s crash occurred amid heavy traffic conditions along Harbison Boulevard.
The collision disrupted traffic along Harbison Boulevard as emergency personnel assisted motorists and worked to clear the roadway.
Additional information is being sought regarding the deputy's condition, the number of people transported to area hospitals and the circumstances leading to the collision.
New Progressive Journal will update this report as additional information becomes available.
