Truck carrying 6,000 lbs. of mining explosives overturns

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities blocked a busy highway for hours Tuesday after a multivehicle crash, involving hazardous materials.

The Dawson County sheriff said that a truck carrying 6,000 pounds of explosive components used to make dynamite overturned on Highway 53 east between Dawson Forest Road East and War Hill Park Road around 5 a.m.

*Note: The Sheriff's office initially said the truck was carrying 10,000 pounds of dynamite, but later clarified to say it was a smaller amount of explosive materials.

Georgia State Patrol said the driver a Buick, Pamela Russell, caused the crash. Officials said Russell, who was under the influence of drugs, lost control going eastbound and crossed the center line, sideswiping the truck.

The truck driver then lost control and flipped. Five gallons of explosive material spilled onto the highway.

Investigators said moments later, Russell sideswiped a Nissan Versa behind the truck and crashed into a Dodge Charger traveling behind the Nissan.

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There were minor injuries in the crash.

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Firefighters said two men were taken to hospital, including the truck driver. Two women involved refused medical treatment.

Dawson County Fire Department Chief Danny Thompson said Sundown subdivision is about 500 feet from where the accident happened, but said people living there aren't in any danger.

The road reopened Tuesday afternoon.

The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Dawson County Fire Department, Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia State Patrol were on scene. The Forsyth County HAZMAT Unit also responded.

Cox Media Group