Updated: Coroner Identifies DOT Worker Killed in I-20 Collision

Editor's note: This story was updated at 6:47 p.m. to include the name of the driver of the vehicle.

Updated, 5:15 p.m.: The Lexington County Coroner's Office has identified the Department of Transportation worker killed in the fatal collision on Interstate 20 near Bush River Road.

Nicholas Johnson, 21, of Columbia was working in the emergency lane of the interstate when he was struck by an unknown vehicle, Coroner Harry Harman said in a release. 

Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene from severe head and body trauma, Harman said.

According to the S.C. Highway Patrol, the driver of the vehicle — which was later determined to be a 2003 Nissan sports utility vehicle — is Thomas Lee Stafford of West Columbia.

Stafford, 39, was traveling westbound on I-20 when he swerved to the right entering the emergency lane and struck Johnson. 

It is not known at this time why Stafford swerved to the right of the road, Senior Trooper Brent Kelly said. 

The accident remains under investigation by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Update: An employee with the S.C. Department of Transportation was killed in a collision on Interstate 20, according to several media outlets.

The worker, who has not been identified, was hit by a vehicle in the emergency lane, WIS-TV reports. 

The driver of the vehicle was arrested, according to the report. 

Original story: The S.C. Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal collision that happened on Interstate 20 westbound.

The wreck happened around 1:30 p.m. Monday near mile markers 62 and 63, according to the highway patrol website. 

Two lanes are closed. Motorists should expect delays. 

S.C. Department of Transportation cameras show traffic backing up near exit 63.

Check back with Patch for updates.