According to Bartow County Public Information Officer Brad Cothran, a tractor-trailer hit a car that was broken down on the side of the road early Tuesday morning around 6:30 on Highway 411 near Industrial Park Road. Cothran stated that the tractor-trailer then veered off the roadway and hit power lines, which caused the vehicle to catch fire. The tractor-trailer did not strike a residential home, but the heat from the tractor-trailer was close enough to the residence along with downed power lines, which also caused it to catch fire. All residents were able to escape safely. The individual in the broken down car was transported by ground to Kennestone Hospital with severe traumatic injuries. Georgia State Patrol is currently working the scene to determine the cause of the accident. The Bartow County Coroner has been called to the scene.
Bartow County EMS, Bartow County Fire, the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Cartersville Fire and Cartersville Police Departments all responded to the scene.
Stay tuned to WBHF for more updates on this developing story.