Vehicle accident leads to first responders’ exposure to unknown substance
News May 20, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Two Gilmer Sheriff’s Deputies and five EMT/Paramedics are being treated for a kind of exposure today after responding to a single vehicle accident last night, May 19, 2022, around 7 p.m.
After deputies responded, alongside a state trooper, to the single motor vehicle accident approximately nine miles out Boardtown Road, just north of the intersection at Boardtown Road and Whitepath Road, county authorities began showing symptoms of exposure to a substance. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office believes the substance may have been Fentanyl. However, they are awaiting testing results to be sure.
The vehicle, a pick-up truck, contained a driver and passenger, when it impacted a tree. Both the driver and passenger sustained injuries during the accident and have since been transported to a hospital. According to a statement from Gilmer County Public Safety Director Keith Kucera, those on scene began treating the two for trauma related injuries. The statement said, “While on scene, emergency crews were exposed to an unknown controlled substance that was in the vehicle. Two Gilmer Sheriff’s Deputies along with five Gilmer Emergency Medical Services crew members became symptomatic of exposure and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. All seven exposed members have been treated and released from the hospital.”
That investigation shut down the road as authorities called in Cherokee County Fire Department’s hazmat team to process the scene, collect several items for testing, and clear it for public travel again. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office stated it cannot be sure specifically what substances are or are not present. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), First Responders typically use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit when entering areas such as this with unknown or potential Fentanyl substances.
Kucera stated, “I would like to thank the brave men and women of the Gilmer County Fire Rescue and Gilmer Sheriff’s Office for their selfless efforts every day to keep the citizens of Gilmer County safe. I would also like to thank the partners who responded to support our agency while our crews were being medically treated from an extremely dangerous situation. The GA Office of EMS & Trauma, Region 1, coordinated regional mutual aid with ambulances from the following agencies: Pickens County, Fannin County, Gordon County, Murray County, Floyd Medical, and Redmon EMS. Additional support was provided by GA Department of Public Health, GEMA/HS, GSP, Cherokee County Fire/Rescue Hazardous Materials Team, and Fannin County EMA.”
The statement from the Sheriff’s Office did say that the deputies were in and out of consciousness but did not specifically state the extent of the symptoms that they or the paramedics showed. Reports indicate that while those exposed were initially take to Gilmer’s Emergency Room, the facility locked down while treating them to prevent further spread or contamination as they worked to find exactly what the substances was.
While the investigation continues into both the accident and the exposures, the Sheriff’s Office did state that those county authorities who were exposed have been released from the hospital this morning and are showing signs of improvement. However, no further details have been given about the accident, the possible substance, or the driver and passenger of the vehicle.
Accident is stalling afternoon traffic, may include buses
News September 11, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer is seeing a slight delay in afternoon traffic today as an accident occurred when a car went into the ditch on Old Highway 5 near Progress Road.
The accident is currently halting traffic as authorities are arriving on scene. One citizen is reporting that she saw school buses stopped in the traffic as well. Traffic is currently stopped coming out of town while the lane going towards town is still moving.
It is likely that with authorities on scene traffic could stagger back and forth as they have done with accidents before, but this could still cause delays in bus drop offs for students on those buses stuck in the traffic. Additionally, there is no report yet on the clean-up from public safety. Citizens should find an alternate route to avoid the delay as the response continues.
Witnesses say there saw a woman still in the front driver’s seat of the vehicle with the air bag deployed, but said authorities on scene seemed to be awaiting paramedics to respond.
3-Car accident stalls traffic on 515 near 52 in East Ellijay
News July 10, 2020
UPDATE: As authorities are clearing out and drivers are returning, Highway 515 southbound has returned to normal service at this time.
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Reports are indicating that a motor vehicle accident has occurred on the North side of east Ellijay on the southbound side of Highway 515.
Officials pulled three people from the wreckage, all with injuries. (Photo courtesy of Gilmer County Public Safety)
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the accident is already causing delays and could see lanes closed in the area of Highway 52.
According to Public Information Officer Al Cash of the Gilmer County Public Safety Departmnet, The three car accident involved a gray Subaru Crosstrek, a blue Nissan Pathfinder, and a blue Chrysler 200.
The accident involved one rollover and trapped two people. Authorities are still working at the scene, but have confirmed recovery of three people from the wreck. One is in critical condition and was transported away from the scene via helicopter, additionally another was transported via helicopter and the third was transported via ambulance.
The accident has cause southbound traffic to stop and northbound traffic to slow on Highway 515 near Highway 52.
Public Safety is working with police in the area and has closed the southbound lane of Highway 515. They are currently encouraging people to take Old Highway 5 south to avoid the area. Northbound lanes are also slowed and drivers should expect some delays in the area.
515 Northbound shut down at First Avenue
News December 18, 2019
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Authorities from Gilmer County Public Safety, East Ellijay Police, and Ellijay Fire are currently responding to what witnesses are calling a major accident at the intersection of First Avenue and Highwy 515 near Hardee’s.
Authorities have shut down the Northbound lane of Hwy 515 at this time as they assist with those involved and attempt to clear the road.
East Ellijay Police Chief Larry Callahan has confirmed one person is in critical condition. There are also at least two others classified as injured, but are well enough to be walking.5
Citizens should use Highway 52 to travel past the accident before returning to Highway 515 Northbound via Greenfield Road. FYN has reached out to authorities for comment on the clean-up and condition of the accident and is awaiting a response as they continue to respond to the incident.
Wreck on 515 closes intersection
News August 14, 2019
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Citizens are being encouraged to avoid the intersection of Highway 515 and First Avenue right now as authorities are responding to a major accident.
Police, Fire, and Rescue personnel are on scene as usual with accidents like this but no reports are available yet as to the injured.
Additionally, the accident has spread debris across most of the northbound lane of the intersection. Traffic is at a standstill right now as the accident happened within the last 30 minutes. Authorities are tending to those involve while attempting to clear a path and redirect traffic.
If at all possible, avoid this intersection at this time until authorities can address the accident.
Gas spill closes intersection alongside 515
News April 16, 2019
The truck dumped nearly 40 gallons of diesel fuel along the intersection of Industrial Boulevard and 1st Avenue.
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Authorities have shut down the intersection of Industrial Boulevard and 1st Avenue in East Ellijay after a semi-truck lost its gas tank and spilled the contents on the road.
Authorities on-scene confirmed no injuries as the truck lost one of its gas tanks after turning off of Highway 515. After dragging the tank several feet, the driver pulled into the parking lot by the river. But authorities say the tank dumped nearly 40 gallons of diesel fuel across the pavement before he could pull off.
Quick response by authorities did manage to keep the fuel out of the river, averting potential environmental damage.
The quick response from emergency services was able to keep the diesel fuel from reaching the river and causing environmental damage. As of now, units from both East Ellijay and Ellijay are working in conjunction to aid and redirect traffic around the site by sending people to the on-ramp further north, Greenfield Road, where Highway 52 travels under Highway 515.
Authorities have already begun the clean-up process, but are not sure exactly how long it could take. Citizens can still access the area via the detour, but may also wish to seek alternative routes when traveling today.
Helicopter Crash in Talking Rock
News March 5, 2019
Talking Rock, GA Deputies and first responders were on the scene Tuesday morning, March 5th, with a helicopter crash behind 7866 Ellijay Road in Talking Rock Georgia. The pilot is being airlifted from the area at this time. The pilot was alert and EMS staff were able to communicate with him.
Accident shuts down Highway 515
News February 20, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an accident on Highway 515 shutting down lanes on the road.
The accident only involved a single vehicle. The vehicle rolled during the accident. It occurred on Highway 515 near the Gilmer-Pickens County line.
Authorities are responding to the accident and citizens are cautioned in the area. With lane closures and authorities on the road, make plans to take extra time or an alternate path around this accident.
382 Shutdown for accident
News February 2, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Highway 382 will be shutdown for a period at Sunlight Rd today.
A two-car accident has occurred around noon at the location and emergency services are on scene. Authorities have confirmed one of the cars rolled over.
Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson told FYN the accident had no fatalities or life threatening injuries. As of this time, he expects the road clear within the hour.
Truck Accident stalls traffic at Maddox Drive
News February 7, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – A logging truck has overturned at the intersection of Maddox Drive and Highway 515.
According to authorities on scene, no major injuries were sustained. However, traffic is suffering from the accident that occurred at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, February 7. Chief Callahan told us the driver had turned to go southbound from Maddox when his load shifted which caused him to turn over.
Law enforcement has asked citizens to find another route and expect delays as they attempt to respond to and clean up the accident. They are unsure how long the delays could last at this time.
Fire and Rescue Weekly Status Report 11/25 – 12/01
News December 3, 2018
Fire and Rescue Weekly Status Report
| Structure Fires | Brush Fires | Fire Alarms | Emergency Med Calls (EMS) | MVC (Vehicle Accidents | Vehicle Fires | Haz. Conditions | Search/Tech. Rescue |
Total Calls |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 82 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 1 |
105 |
Principal Walker services and school announcement
Bobcat's Corner, News September 17, 2018
UPDATE:
ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer County School System has updated their announcements saying that they will be canceling school Thursday, instead of an early release. While they will hold a partial day for staff, they will release at 1 p.m. in order to allow for those wishing to attend services.
The school has also added details about Thursday’s After School Activities in their announcement as follows:
To honor and remember Gilmer Middle School Principal Larry Walker, we plan to cancel classes for all students and hold an in-service day for staff only on Thursday 9/20/18 releasing early at 1:00 so that staff and students who wish to attend funeral services may do so.
Updated Extra Curricular Activities:
GHS Athletic Activities for Thursday 9/20/18:
JV Football will be at home vs. Lumpkin 5:30
Volleyball will be at Fannin (Fannin/Pickens) 6:00
Softball will be at home (varsity only) for senior night vs. Pickens 5:45CCMS:
Football and Cheer: Rescheduled from 9/20/18 to 9/19/18 at Fannin
Softball: Rescheduled from 9/20/18 to 9/19/18 at Fannin City Park
Tennis: Plans Pending
ORIGINAL STORY
ELLIJAY, Ga – With the school system still reeling from the death of Gilmer Middle School Principal Larry Walker, official announcements are coming for the next step.
With preparations made, the family will receive visitors on Wednesday at Bernhardt Funeral Home from 2 p.m to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at First Baptist Church. However, according to the Gilmer County School System, a request has been by Bernhardt that parents and students attend a live feed of the funeral at the Ellijay Elementary School Auditorium.
Furthermore, the school system is officially announcing that it will be dismissing class early on Thursday for students and staff wishing to attend the event. While the specifics are yet to be finalized, the School System’s Facebook page updated confirming the early release.
Citizens across the county are continuing the mourning process and many more have begun using the #OneGilmer to unify the county. Others have adopted a “Larry-ism” as some call them, saying that Mr. Walker would be telling them to #FinishTheDrill. Just a few examples of the community like these show exactly how deeply this one man touched others.
A memorial fund has been established for the family of Larry Walker. Donations may be made to the “Larry Walker Memorial Fund” at any United Community Bank. While the school has already held a special meeting at the Middles School Gym last Sunday, September 16, for counselors and ministers to aid those in grief, the County’s mourning is far from over.
Continuing the conversation on the tragedy in the community, Good Morning From The Office held a talk with Dr. David Markwell, Licensed and Board Certified Professional Counselor, about the situation and the coping process.
GMS Principal Walker dies in accident
Bobcat's Corner, News September 16, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga – Gilmer students and staff are waking to awful news this morning as reports are coming in about a tragedy involving Gilmer Middle School Principal Larry Walker.
The news came late in the night as Gilmer County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs says she alerted her administration and the schools. Making the news public, the schools are already preparing a welcoming of those in need as they make available counselors and ministers today at 2 p.m. An official statement from the school is as follows:
It is with the heaviest of hearts and many prayers that we make our community aware of the passing of beloved Gilmer Middle School Principal, Larry Walker, following a tragic accident late yesterday. We wake this morning deeply saddened and shocked. Our district is in the process of making arrangements for counselors and our local ministry to help our staff and students in this time of great sadness. The Gilmer Middle School Gym will be open today at 2:00 with counselors and members of our local ministry available.
His death comes from an accident involving a tractor. As the family makes preparations, the school system is in mourning as they await further details.
Box truck shuts down Highway 515
News February 27, 2018
ELLIJAY, Ga. – A box truck heading north on Highway 515 stopped traffic when it wrecked late Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 27.
Authorities on scene worked quickly to clear the right lane of northbound traffic as nobody was seriously injured in the accident. The truck went off the road and came to rest on the guard rail near Highway 515 Auto Auction.
According to Gilmer County Public Safety Director Tony Pritchett, two people were in the truck at the time of the crash. At this time, Highway 515 is open to traffic again while workers are clearing the road.
Yukon bus wreck report released
News January 30, 2018
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Georgia State Patrol has released its official report for the Yukon Road bus incident last Monday, Jan. 22.
According to the report, officials say the bus driver, 71-year-old Harold Moody, says he drifted onto the shoulder as he was reaching for his microphone and looking into his mirror at the students on his bus.
The report states Moody was “distracted” while he was driving by using the microphone and causing him to drift off the east side of Yukon Road before striking a culvert and veering back across both lanes before overturning and coming to rest blocking the road. Moody was not injured in the accident.
Vehicle 1 was traveling north attempting to negotiate a curve on Yukon Road. Vehicle 1 drifted and traveled off the east side of Yukon Road causing the driver to lose control.
Vehicle 1 traveled north on the east shoulder into a ditch. The undercarriage of vehicle 1 struck the ditch culvert. Vehicle 1 veered left and travel west across both lanes of the
roadway. Vehicle 1 overturned and came to an uncontrolled rest facing west on its right side across both lanes of Yukon Road.Driver 1 stated that he reached up to grab the microphone and looked at the rearview mirror to address the student passengers. He stated that the student passengers were being loud and using profanity. Driver 1 became distracted by using the microphone and looking at the rearview mirror while attempting to negotiate a downhill curve.
School officials have already confirmed the use of a substitute driver after having placed Moody on administrative leave. Read more about the accident with “Bus wreck on Yukon injures students,” “Responding to Gilmer’s bus wreck on Yukon Road,” and “Ralston speaks on Yukon bus crash.”
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Student injured in accident at Mountain View
News January 29, 2018
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Reports today confirm that a student at Mountain View Elementary School was injured by a pencil inserted into his face.
Gilmer County Charter School System Superintendent Dr. Shanna Wilkes told FetchYourNews it seems that the child was walking when he tripped and fell onto the pencil in his hand. Despite the appearance of an accident, Wilkes did confirm that they are investigating further to make sure.
The child was taken by their parents for medical care and Mountain View Elementary has returned to its normal classes despite the incident. While Wilkes declined to comment on the student or what grade that student is in, she did reiterate that information points that this was a freak accident.
Wilkes also confirmed the injury was to the face, possibly a sinus cavity or eye socket, but did not comment further details on the exact injury.