Cherokee County, SC — January 30, 2025, Quinton Hightower was killed and another person was injured in a truck accident at about 3:50 a.m. on Interstate 85.
Authorities said a Freightliner semi-truck crashed into a Volvo semi-truck as both trucks were heading south near Gaffney. The collision ruptured the Freightliner’s fuel tanks, causing it to burst into flames.
Freightliner driver Quinton Lanier Hightower, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene after firefighters extinguished the fire, according to authorities.
The driver of the Volvo truck was hospitalized with unspecified injuries, authorities said.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash near mile marker 87 at this time. The accident is still being investigated.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I hear about a crash where one semi-truck collides with another on the highway, my first question is, “What caused these two large vehicles to come into contact?” Many people assume highway crashes are simply the result of driver mistakes, but in my experience, incidents like this often involve multiple factors that need to be carefully examined.
One of the first things investigators should determine is whether either truck was changing lanes or slowing down before the impact. Was the Freightliner following too closely, or did the Volvo truck make an unexpected move? Large commercial vehicles require significantly more time to slow down, and sudden lane changes or improper following distances can create dangerous situations. Reviewing ECM (black box) data from both trucks could help clarify speed, braking and steering inputs before the crash.
Another key factor is visibility. This crash happened before dawn, when lighting conditions can make it harder to judge distance and speed. Investigators should determine whether the Volvo truck’s taillights and reflective markings were functioning properly. I’ve handled cases where a truck’s poor lighting made it difficult for another driver to react in time.
The fire also raises questions about vehicle design and crash severity. Fuel tank ruptures in commercial trucks are uncommon, but they do happen, especially in high-impact collisions. Investigators should determine whether the impact location, tank placement or other mechanical factors contributed to the fire. In the past, I’ve seen cases where unprotected fuel tanks made fires more likely, which is a safety issue worth examining.
At this stage, there are too many unknowns to say exactly what led to this wreck, but that’s why a full investigation is necessary. Looking beyond the immediate impact will be key in understanding how this crash happened and whether anything could have been done differently to prevent it.
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