Local News
19-year-old Zoie Atkinson killed in multi-vehicle crash in Franklin County
CARNESVILLE, Ga. — A 19-year-old woman was killed and three others, including two children, were seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Franklin County, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Authorities identified the victim as Zoie Marie Atkinson, 19, of Carnesville. She was pronounced dead at the scene following the violent head-on collision.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:35 p.m. on Stone Bridge Road, south of Andrews Road.
Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 52 in Hartwell, along with local first responders, were dispatched to the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate that a silver 2018 Dodge Challenger, traveling westbound, crossed the center line and collided head-on with a red 2010 Ford Fusion driven by Atkinson.
Investigators say the force of the impact caused both vehicles to rotate approximately 90 degrees before separating.
The driver of the Dodge Challenger, identified as 66-year-old Debra Ann Smith of Carnesville, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina.
Two children riding in the back seat of the Ford Fusion — a 10-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, both from Carnesville — were also seriously injured in the crash.
The girl was airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Medical Center, while the boy was transported by Franklin County EMS to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office reported that Stone Bridge Road remained closed for several hours as emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene.
The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) responded to assist in determining the exact cause of the crash.
At this time, officials say no impairment is suspected as a contributing factor. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending as troopers continue to review evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.
The tragic death of Zoie Marie Atkinson and the serious injuries sustained by others have deeply affected the Carnesville community.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses.
Local News
No Survivors After Small Plane Crashes in Flames at Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — Authorities are responding to a small aircraft crash in Lake of the Ozarks State Park after the plane went down near Public Beach Drive on Tuesday, November 3. Officials say no survivors are expected.
Osage Beach Mayor Richard Ross said he received information from city staff indicating that at least two people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed.
According to Ross, the plane had taken off from Lee C. Fine Airport, located within Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The aircraft reportedly crashed a short time after departure and was found engulfed in flames.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that troopers were responding to the incident. At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday, Troop F reported that the aircraft was fully engulfed in flames near Public Beach Drive in Camden County.
Public Beach Drive is located southwest of Lee C. Fine Airport, the reported departure point of the aircraft.
Airport personnel were unable to provide additional information about the crash.
The number and identities of those aboard have not been officially confirmed in the information currently available. Authorities have also not released details about the aircraft, the circumstances leading up to the crash, or the cause of the incident.
Emergency crews are responding as the investigation continues. Additional information, including official confirmation of fatalities and victim identities, is expected to be released by authorities.