The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred at around 7:12a.m. Friday morning. The incident took place in the 2500 block of Shurling Drive, just across from the St. Paul AME Church.
According to witness statements, a 2018 Mack Tractor Trailer and a 2010 Ford Focus, driven by 31 Nickelow Carlton of Newnan, were both traveling north on Shurling Drive. It was reported that the tractor trailer was traveling in the right lane and that the Ford Focus was in the left. The tractor trailer began to move over into the left lane, almost striking the Ford Focus. As they continued north, Carlton moved to the center lane of travel in an attempt to avoid being struck by the tractor trailer.
The tractor trailer continued to move into the left lane and then into the center lane of travel. The tractor trailer struck the Ford Focus, causing the vehicle to spin out of control and into the south bound lanes of travel. The tractor trailer continued to move across the south bound lanes of travel and into a wooded area, just off of the roadway. The Ford Focus ended up facing south, in the far right, (south bound), lane of travel.
Carlton was transported to the Coliseuim Health Center to receive treatment for minor injuries.
The driver of the tractor trailer was also transported to the Coliseum Health Center. The driver of the tractor trailer was pronounced dead at the hospital. Traffic Investigators believe that the tractor trailer driver suffered a medical emergency while driving the tractor trailer. An autopsy will need to be performed to determine the cause of death.
The name of the driver of the tractor trailer will not be released, until the next of kin has been notified.
This fatal traffic accident is under investigation. Anyone with information In reference to this incident is urged to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500.