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
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.