Traffic on GA 365 North was temporarily stalled this morning after a van ran into the back of an 18-wheeler. The accident happened around 11:30 a.m. It involved a 2008 Chevrolet Express van and a 2007 Volvo tractor-trailer.
Georgia State Trooper Vance Henry, Jr. says both vehicles were traveling north in the right lane of GA 365. The preliminary investigation indicates the van rear-ended the trailer and became lodged underneath it. The crash occurred in Habersham County near Rock Road but ended up in Stephens County. Trooper Henry says the truck dragged the van over 1112 feet before they came to a controlled stop on the shoulder of the road.
Emergency crews from Stephens County and Toccoa responded to the scene. Officials say the driver of the van suffered serious injuries and had to be extricated from the car.
He’s identified as 71-year-old Winfred Reece of Gainesville. Traffic was stopped in both directions so that a life flight helicopter could be flown in and to allow crews time to clear the scene.
Reece was airlifted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. The driver of the truck – 46-year-old Chris M. Talton of Lawrenceville – was not injured.
Trooper Henry says the investigation into the crash continues.
