A Lowndes County accident on Thursday morning, March 25th, claimed the lives of four people. The Georgia State Patrol said one of the victims was a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The accident happened around 7 a.m. on Interstate 75 south of Lowndes County.
A news report disclosed that Lowndes County Coroner Austin Fiveash confirmed the death of a pregnant woman identified as Kelsey Smith and her baby. The woman’s husband, Austin, initially survived the accident and was hospitalized in critical condition but died later on. The fourth victim was identified as Jonathan Rickett.
The GSP said their preliminary investigation showed that a tractor-trailer stopped in the travel lane of Interstate 75 South. They said it was most likely because of a mechanical failure. A second tractor-trailer stopped behind it.
A trooper said a third tractor-trailer then rear-ended the second vehicle pushing it into the first. The third tractor-trailer caught fire, shutting down all the southbound lanes of the interstate. The Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is assisting the GSP with the investigation.
The GSP has not released the name of any of the Lowndes County accident victims. There is no additional information at this time.
Motor vehicle accidents are not uncommon on Georgia roadways. One of the common causes of traffic collisions is mechanical failure. Others can be manufacturer’s defect, adverse road conditions, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or an underlying medical condition.
Drowsiness and fatigue are common reasons for road accidents for truck drivers. To prevent it, drivers of tractor-trailers must ensure they get adequate rest before getting on the road. Also, frequently maintain the vehicle, drive within the speed limit, and avoid operating while impaired.
If an accident happens, report it to the police and assist anyone who is injured. Even if you are at fault, don’t claim liability until you speak with a Georgia truck accident attorney.
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