Multiple Accidents Kill 1, Create Traffic Nightmare in Chatham County Monday

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Bumper-to-bumper traffic is usually something we associate with big cities like Atlanta, but many drivers around Chatham County went through a traffic nightmare thanks to some major accidents at the height of Monday rush hour, causing major delays.

A fatal accident closed I-16 westbound near Pooler Parkway around 4:30 p.m. Then a crash on I-95 south at Jimmy Deloach Parkway shut down traffic, and another crash happened later on I-95 northbound at Highway 21.

The accident between a silver truck and a tractor trailer happened right before rush hour on I-16 westbound. The Georgia State Patrol says the man driving the Ford F-150 died in the crash. The female passenger survived but with very serious injuries.

"An F-150 was traveling eastbound, hydroplaned, came through the median into the westbound lanes and collided with a tractor trailer that was westbound," said Trooper First Class Chris Cuddington of the Georgia State Patrol.

A line of blue evidence flags marked the path of the head-on crash that destroyed the truck and left the semi stuck in the woods off the highway. Troopers said the driver of the semi escaped with minor injuries.

Traffic came to a standstill as the investigation continued, with the backup stretching nearly seven miles.

Drivers were left standing next to their vehicles, wondering when they would get home.

Drivers on I-95 did not fare any better, as all southbound lanes and one northbound lane of the highway was shut down at Jimmy Deloach Parkway.

Authorities said a UPS truck pulling two trailers hydroplaned and hit two vehicles. One of the trailers, reported to be carrying hazardous materials, flipped over a guardrail.

A Hazmat team was called to the scene and found the cargo was freon, a chemical coolant often used in refrigerators and air conditioners. Injuries from that accident were minor, but cleanup still tied up traffic for some time.

Traffic on I-95 northbound at Highway 21 was also shut down for a time after authorities said an SUV sideswiped a tractor-trailer. Critical injuries were reported but further details weren't available.

Troopers were not ready to release the names of the victims from the I-16 crash.

See prior stories
Deadly Accident on I-16
I-95 Wreck Shuts Down Traffic