Tragedy on I-95: Viral Crash Near Yemassee, SC Leaves Multiple Injured — Tarik Skubal’s Family Reportedly Among Those Affected
YEMASSEE, SOUTH CAROLINA — A devastating multi-vehicle crash on I-95 southbound just outside Yemassee Tuesday afternoon has left at least ten people hospitalized, triggered massive delays, and sent shockwaves through the baseball world after reports emerged that MLB star Tarik Skubal’s family may have been involved.
The crash, which occurred around 3:15 p.m., involved more than a dozen vehicles, including several sedans, SUVs, and at least one commercial truck. Emergency responders described the scene as “one of the worst pileups” in recent memory for the area.
A Photo That Went Viral
A harrowing photo taken from an overpass near the scene has gone viral on social media. The image shows crumpled vehicles scattered across multiple lanes, with first responders working frantically among the wreckage. Smoke, shattered glass, and mangled metal tell a silent story of chaos and pain.
By Tuesday night, the photo had been shared over 2 million times across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Facebook, prompting an outpouring of concern — especially from the Detroit Tigers community, after unconfirmed reports indicated that a vehicle belonging to a member of Tarik Skubal’s family may have been among those involved.
Tarik Skubal: “I Just Want My Family Safe”
Skubal, the Tigers’ star pitcher and 2024 All-Star, was visibly shaken when approached by media during pregame warmups Wednesday in Detroit.
“I’m still trying to process what’s happening,” Skubal said, holding back tears. “Right now, all I care about is my family. I just want them safe.”
Sources close to the team revealed that Skubal’s parents had been traveling through the region at the time of the crash, returning home after visiting relatives in Florida. Their exact condition has not been publicly confirmed, and privacy requests from the family have been honored by both the team and local authorities.
Eyewitnesses Describe “Screams, Smoke, and Chaos”
Drivers caught in the traffic backup shared nightmarish scenes from the aftermath.
“We heard the screeching tires, then an explosion, then screaming,” said Janice Howell, a traveler from North Carolina. “People were running from their vehicles. Some were trying to pull others out.”
South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that foggy conditions mixed with sudden braking and high-speed merging may have contributed to the pileup. Preliminary reports indicate that the first vehicle may have spun out in the left lane before triggering a chain reaction across all lanes.
Traffic was shut down in both directions for several hours as helicopters landed on the interstate to transport the most critically injured.
At Least 10 Hospitalized, Identities Still Emerging
Beaufort Memorial Hospital and other local medical centers have confirmed receiving at least ten patients from the crash site. Several are reported to be in critical condition, though officials have not yet released names.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional updates — including confirmed identities and causes — will be provided in the coming days.
MLB Community Offers Prayers and Support
As word spread that Tarik Skubal’s family may have been caught in the wreckage, MLB players, coaches, and fans rallied on social media.
“Praying for you and your family, brother,” tweeted Shohei Ohtani, while former Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander added, “Detroit is with you, Tarik. Stay strong.”
The Tigers organization released an official statement Wednesday morning:
“Our hearts are with Tarik and his family during this incredibly difficult time. We are offering full support and ask for privacy as the situation develops.”
A Stark Reminder
This tragic accident is the second major crash on I-95 southbound in South Carolina within the last two weeks, reigniting debates about infrastructure, speed enforcement, and emergency response capabilities on one of the East Coast’s most heavily traveled highways.
For fans of baseball — and especially those who admire Tarik Skubal’s rise to stardom — the crash is a jarring reminder of how quickly life can change.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible accident.
More updates will follow as details are confirmed.
