Driver airlifted after serious wreck on US 441/GA 15

An SUV driver was airlifted to the hospital after being struck by a tractor-trailer during the morning commute on US 441/GA 15.Photo byJerry Neace/NowHabersham.com

An SUV driver was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries early Tuesday morning after colliding with a tractor-trailer in Turnerville. The wreck happened just before 8 a.m. on US 441/GA 15 at the Turkey Crest Road intersection.

Georgia State Patrol Public Information Officer Courtney Lund says the preliminary investigation indicates the Ford Escape was traveling west on Turkey Crest Road. The driver stopped at the intersection but failed to yield while entering the highway.

The SUV pulled into the path of the northbound tractor-trailer, says Lund. The semi struck the Escape on the driver’s side.

The State Patrol has not released the injured driver’s name.

Photo byJerry Neace/NowHabersham.com

Driver trapped

According to Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore, a sheriff’s deputy was the first to arrive at the wreck at 7:54 a.m. The deputy notified dispatchers the SUV driver was trapped inside the vehicle and appeared to have serious injuries.

An Air Life Georgia medical helicopter was called to the scene and transported the injured driver.

Both sides of US 441/GA 15 were closed until the helicopter cleared the scene. The northbound lanes remained closed until about 10:20 a.m. as tow truck operators cleared the road.

An Air Life helicopter transported the SUV driver to the hospital with serious injuries.Photo byRob Moore/Habersham County

Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 7 in Toccoa investigated the crash. A Georgia Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Officer also responded.

Lund says the State Patrol’s investigation continues.

Now Habersham is waiting for additional information from the Georgia State Patrol. Check back here for updates.