Overturn car has victim inside
by MCL staff writer

Crowd helps keep the wrecked car from overturning again while victim is inside.

An accident occurred at the intersection of Jeterville and Roberts Lane on September 3. A deputy sheriff was dispatched to the scene along with an EMS ambulance crew and Colquitt/Miller County Volunteer Fire and rescue trucks and firemen.

Willie Gene Hayes, 59, of Damascus, was traveling north on Jeterville Road on his 2006 Chevrolet Impala. He was attempting to negotiate a curve when the driver apparently passed out due to a medical condition.

The driver crossed the center line and veered into Roberts Lane, striking a ditch and hitting a large tree on the passenger side of the vehicle. The auto turned over on the driver's side, and the driver was trapped inside.

A large number of people were holding the vehicle to keep it from flopping over on the roof while the driver was still inside attempting to get out of his auto. The fireand rescue workers put wedge blocks under the auto so that the driver could get out the back right door while the rescue workers helped the victim crawl out of the overturned auto.

The EMS officers transported the victim to the Miller County emergency room for treatment. The victim was visibly shaken and received cuts and abrasions.

According to the accident report, the contributing factor that caused the accident was due to the physical condition of the driver. Mr. Hayes was wearing his lap and shoulder safety equipment, which saved the driver from more injury.

When the victim was removed from his auto, the car was pushed back into an upright position. The car had extensive damage on the left side.

TFC W.R. Landrum of the Georgia State Patrol was the investigating officer.No citations were issued.