Fiery crash on GA-316 kills 1, injures 17
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - One person is dead and 17 others were injured in a fiery crash on Georgia Highway 316 Monday afternoon. The 8-vehicle accident also shut down all eastbound lanes of traffic for several hours. Tuesday, officials released more information about what caused the pileup.
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“You just don't see this type of thing very often,” said Captain Greg Vaughn, Lawrenceville Police Department. “I could tell by the voice of officer on the radio it was a mess.”
It happened at GA-316 at Buford Drive in Lawrenceville. The Gwinnett County Fire Department said eight children and 10 adults were injured in the crash. Seven people were rushed to Gwinnett Medical Center and two to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. One person was later released from GMC. Firefighters said the others were treated at the scene.
“Two of adults critical injuries ranging from minor to critical patients also released at the scene after being evaluated by paramedics,” said Captain Tommy Rutledge, Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
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“Upon arrival, officers realized several cars involved, lots of injuries one car under tractor trailer fully involved in flames,” said Capt. Vaughn.
“We arrived on scene and found a vehicle partially under the reactor trailer engulfed in flames,” said Capt. Rutledge.
Firefighters said a vehicle was wedged under the tractor trailer and was on fire when emergency crews arrived. Officials said the driver of that vehicle was trapped and did not survive.
“[We] activated our mass casualty response brought a number of ambulances, fire trucks, and mobile ambulance bus to the scene,” said Capt. Rutledge.
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The Lawrenceville Police Department is investigating the crash.
On Tuesday, police released new information in the case. Capt. Vaughn said it appears that the tractor-trailer involved in the wreck, failed to stop when traffic came to a standstill on Hi Hope Road Monday afternoon.
Police have identified the woman killed in Monday's crash as Eva Wilkerson, 62, of Winder.
“Things can change in a matter of seconds if you aren't being careful or paying attention,” said Capt. Rutledge.