News

Tech Officer Injured In Crash

ATLANTA — A Georgia Tech police officer was injured when his patrol car slammed into the back end of a tanker truck on Monday morning, officials said.

News Chopper 2 showed the cruiser wedged under the back of the truck at the intersection of Pine Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive.

Tech Officer Injured In Crash

Police said the officer, Joseph Figura, 25, was responding to a call for assistance from an Atlanta police officer.

Firefighters worked for nearly an hour, cutting pieces of the vehicle away until they could free Figura from the driver seat. At one point chopper video showed 17 firefighters surrounding the police car as they worked on the rescue operation.

"I didn't honestly think anyone could survive such an accident," said Carol Neal who was walking down the street when the accident happened.

Firefighters said the tanker was loaded with 1,800 gallons of diesel fuel. The tanker had a minor leak, but there was no concern of fire.

Figura was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Officials said his injuries were being evaluated.