A two-vehicle wreck in Madison County Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of a 5-month-old child, resulted in life-threatening injuries to a 5-year-old girl and seriously injured an 8-year-old boy, as well as the vehicle’s driver.
Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 32 in Athens were dispatched just after 3:30 to Ga. 98 near Rogers Mill Road in Madison County to investigate a fatal two-vehicle crash.
A green 1998 Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicle driven by Tela L. Wood, 34, of Hull was traveling west on Ga. 98 attempting to turn left onto Rogers Mill Road, when Wood failed to yield to an eastbound 1998 Peterbilt commercial vehicle.
The truck, driven by Dallas T. Fordham, 51, of Carlton, struck the passenger side of the Toyota with its front.
Charles L. Wood, 5 months, who was seated in the center of the backseat, succumbed to his injuries in the early-morning hours of Wednesday, said Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Meyer of Post 32.
Tela M. Wood, 5, who was seated in the right rear seat of the Toyota, suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite Campus, according to GSP.
Thomas F. Wood Jr., 8, who was seated in the left rear seat of the Toyota, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.
Driver Tela L Wood suffered serious injuries and was transported to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, according to GSP.
Fordham, the driver of the commercial vehicle, reported no injuries and was not transported.
Driver impairment is under investigation with charges pending, according to Meyer.
The Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team and the Georgia Department of Motor Carrier Compliance Division are assisting with the investigation.
