Driver dead after tractor-trailer hits fire truck responding to crash

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — Douglas County officials said a tractor-trailer crashed into the back of a Douglas County firetruck around 3 a.m. Sunday, killing the driver.

The crash happened in the westbound lanes of Interstate 20, 1 mile east of Highway 92. All lanes of I-20 westbound were closed in the area but reopened just before 9:30 a.m.

TRENDING STORIES

• Police called after fight breaks out between youth football coaches on field
• No. 3 UGA defeats No. 7 Notre Dame in front of largest crowd ever at Sanford Stadium
• Georgia officer, dad-to-be helps buy young mom new car seats for twins

The driver of the tractor-trailer died, officials said. None of the firefighters were hurt.

The truck crashed into the fire department's ladder truck, officials said. Officials said both of the firefighters were wearing their seatbelts at the time, which probably saved their lives.

"They responded to an initial accident reported around 3 o'clock involving a red Mustang that was involved in a rollover accident into the woods," Douglas County spokesman Rick Martin said.

Investigators say the ladder truck was parked in the slow lane on the interstate.

"The driver of the tractor trailer, the fatality, was extracted by our fire and emergency units on location," Douglas said.

Officials said the driver of the Mustang is expected to be OK but was taken to the hospital.

The Georgia State Patrol is investigating. Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) units were also on the scene.

The name of the driver who died has not yet been released.

Channel 2's Lauren Pozen was part of traffic being diverted off to Lee Road I-20 WB.

Cox Media Group