Driver “engulfed in flames” collapses after escaping flaming cab

A truck driver “engulfed in flames” after a serious t-bone wreck succumbed to their injuries after escaping their burning truck, police say. 

The accident between two semi trucks happened at the intersection of SR-112 and U.S. Highway 441 in Wilkinson County, Georgia on Tuesday afternoon, May 21st. 

According to 13WMAZ, a blue 2022 Freightliner was traveling west on SR 112 when it failed to stop at the Highway 441 intersection and t-boned a white Freightliner traveling on Highway 441. The collision caused the white tractor trailer to catch fire. The driver was able to escape the burning truck cab, but was already “engulfed in flames,” and soon collapsed on the roadway. 

The burned driver later died of their injuries and was pronounced dead at 5 p.m. Police say the burns have prevented officials from identifying the trucker. They believe the driver was a man, but have been unable to confirm that information. The other driver was taken to a nearby hospital with a broken leg. He is from California. 

The burning truck was loaded at the time of the wreck and the other was empty. 

“It was a mess,” said Coroner Billy Matthews. 

“This is just a dangerous intersection and they need to come in and put in some caution lights here or maybe even possibly a red light,”  said deputy coroner Dusty Thomas. “I know it’s way out in the county but with the amount of fatalities that we have had at this intersection, I think they need to possibly looking at a red light at least some caution lights or a lit stop sign.”

No further information has been released.