Trooper First Class 2 Nguyen

Statement from Trooper First Class 2 Nguyen with the Georgia State Patrol Post 10 Americus: Post 10 Americus Troopers were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 19/Georgia 3 at the intersection of Old U.S. 19 in Schley County. Preliminary investigation indicates a green 2013 Ford Fusion was traveling south on U.S. 19/Georgia 3. A silver 2017 Ford Fusion, traveling north on U.S. 19/Georgia 3, attempted to make a left turn onto Old U.S. 19 in front of green 2013 Ford Fusion. As result, the green 2013 Ford Fusion struck the Silver 2017 Ford Fusion in the left southbound lane of U.S. 19/Georgia 3. The silver 2017 Ford Fusion became disabled in the left southbound lane of U.S. 19/Georgia 3. The driver of the silver 2017 Ford Fusion exited the vehicle and made it safely to the shoulder of the roadway. A short time later an unidentified tractor trailer, traveling south on U.S. 19/Georgia 3, struck the silver 2017 Ford Fusion. The unidentified tractor trailer fled the scene south on U.S. 19/Georgia 3. As a result of the initial crash between the two Ford Fusions and tractor trailer, several other vehicles entered the scene striking each other. In addition, other vehicles entered the scene an attempted to avoid stopped/disabled vehicles by steering into the median.

A total of 12 vehicles were involved. Eight patients were transported by EMS to Phoebe Sumter with non-life-threatening injuries. Two other people complained of injuries and were transported by POV to Phoebe Sumter. As a result of the crash, both the northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 19/Georgia 3 were closed for approximately 2.5 hours. This crash is still under investigation and charges are pending. If anyone has any information regarding the tractor trailer that fled the scene are asked to contact the Georgia State Patrol, Post 10, Americus.