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| Overturned Tractor Trailer Injures One in Catoosa County CATOOSA COUNTY, GA – Local 0-1-1 centers began fielding calls of an overturned tractor trailer on Interstate 75 at about 2:30 PM, Friday, May 22, 2009. Some callers reported the driver trapped and tractor portion on fire. Additionally, some callers identified the accident as being in the welcome center northbound in East Ridge, Tennessee while others described it as being southbound a few miles away in Catoosa County, Georgia. Firefighters from both departments scrambled to locate the accident. Catoosa County Engine 3 located the overturned rig inside the welcome center in their jurisdiction. The big rig was not on fire and, although injured, the driver had self extricated. Medics from Angel EMS and some firefighters attended to the driver as other firefighters checked the truck for hazards. Angel EMS eventually transported the driver to Erlanger Hospital with non life threatening injuries. The long process of stabilizing the truck, removing the contents for transfer to another tractor trailer, and cleaning up fluids began. Firefighters and others worked well into the night not finishing the grueling task until after 9:30 PM. One portion of the roadway inside the welcome center was closed during the operation and the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department assisted with traffic control. The accident is being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol. |
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