Fire engine overturns after attempting to avoid drunk driver, GSP says

GORDON COUNTY, Ga. — A fire engine was overturned after officials said the firefighter was trying to avoid a drunk driver.

Georgia State Patrol said on Dec. 26th at 2:09 p.m., troopers responded to reports of a fire truck that crashed on GA 3 in Gordon County near Soliders Pathway.

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According to the investigation, a fire truck was driving south in the left lane when a silver Dodge van that was driving north turned in front of the fire truck.

GSP said the driver of the fire truck was able to avoid hitting the van when it entered its lane. However, the quick maneuver caused the truck to begin to tip.

The driver attempted to correct the fire engine but could not avoid it overturning.

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GSP said the driver of the van fled the scene.

Thanks to surveillance footage from a nearby gas station, GSP troopers got the license plate information for the driver.

Troopers were able to make contact with the van driver after obtaining his information and found that he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

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The driver was charged with driving under the influence, among other traffic-related charges.

The firefighter driving the fire engine was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

There were no passengers in the fire truck.

The identities of all those involved have not been released.

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