Trucker Charged Following Triple Fatality Pileup In Macon

Trucker Charged Following Triple Fatality Pileup In Macon
Published on July 12th, 2017 by Ashley

A semi truck driver is facing vehicular homicide charges following an eight vehicle pileup crash that left three people dead.

Construction Zone Slowdown Leads To Fatal Pileup

The crash happened on I-16 in Macon, Georgia, around 5:30 p.m. Forty nine year old truck driver Gerard Thompson was traveling west on I-16 when traffic slowed for construction. According to police, Thompson’s semi struck a pickup “that was almost if not completely stopped” and pushed it into another vehicle, setting off a fiery chain reaction crash. At least two other tractor trailers and a church van were involved in the crash.

Two people died at the scene. One other crash victim later passed away in the hospital.

Twelve people were injured in the crash. Three of those people are currently in the intensive care unit and one person is being treated in a burn unit.

Truck Driver Faces Vehicular Homicide Charges

Witnesses told Georgia police that speed was a factor in the crash. Investigators said that physical evidence at the scene indicated that Thompson was traveling at an unsafe speed.

Investigators are unsure whether fatigue or drugs or alcohol were a factor.

Thompson was arrested and has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and reckless driving. His bond was set at $50,000.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who has information is encouraged to call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500.

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