A family driving from California and headed for Atlanta, was involved in a single car accident Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred on I-30 in eastern Hopkins County.
The SUV drifted into the grassy median and traveled several hundred feet before hitting a concrete and cast iron drain. The
vehicle’s bumper and various plastic
parts were torn from the chassis. The vehicle continued to race further down the median toward a creek-bed. With the concrete barrier on the left, and metal guardrail of the right, the vehicle plunged into the draw. No skid marks or other evidence of braking or swerving was seen. The vehicle was briefly airborne and came to rest in the creek bed, nose down in a nearly vertical position. One occupant the a rear seat was able to free himself and walk away from the crash. Other occupants were trapped inside and required assistance.
A regional air ambulance was dispatched.
Speculation at the scene puts the cause of the traffic collision as falling asleep at the wheel.
A the time of publication no fatalities were reported.