Six vehicles were involved in a crash last week in front of Putnam County High School.
Although the pile-up appeared severe, there were no reported serious injuries, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.
According to a report by Putnam County Deputy Sheriff Sgt. James Barbee, road construction was in progress on U.S. 441/State Route 24 at the time of the crash around 2:20 p.m., April 21.
A 2021 Nissan Maxima, being driven by 17-year-old Tra’Lasia Cobb, of Eatonton, was stopped on War Eagle Drive, which is the exit road of the high school. As Cobb turned left onto the highway, she reportedly pulled out in front of a 2018 Peterbilt tractor-trailer being driven by David Jenkins, 59, of Acworth. The northbound 18-wheeler struck the Maxima, causing it to spin around before it stopped.
The front axle brake of the 18-wheeler broke upon the impact, which caused the truck to go over the centerline of the road and into traffic that was stopped there for the road construction. The truck hit five of the stopped vehicles, including a Freightliner M2, a Volkswagen Tiguan, a Volkswagen Atlas, and a Tesla.
The Maxima and Peterbilt received disabling damage; the other vehicles received minor body damage.
Five of the drivers were taken to various area hospitals to be checked or treated for suspected injuries and complaints, according to the report.