SCHLEY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) is investigating an accident on Highway 19 involving 12 vehicles.

Deputies on the scene tell WALB that the initial crash was between two vehicles at the intersection of Highway 19 and Old Highway 19 in Schley County.

GSP said troopers responded to the crash at around 7:50 a.m.

The preliminary information indicates that the accident started when a green 2013 Ford Fusion struck the silver 2017 Ford Fusion in the left southbound lane of Highway 19. This led to the silver Ford Fusion breaking down.

GSP said the driver was able to get out and safely make it to the right shoulder of the roadway.

Shortly after, an unidentified tractor-trailer was headed south on Highway 19 and hit the silver Ford Fusion. The tractor-trailer fled the scene, continuing southbound.

As a result of the initial crash between both Ford Fusions and the tractor trailer, several other vehicles entered the scene striking each other.

In addition, other vehicles entered the scene and attempted to avoid wreckage by steering into the median, according to GSP.

A total of 12 vehicles were involved in the wreck.

GSP said that eight people were taken to Phoebe Sumter by EMS with non-life-threatening injuries. Two other people complained of injuries and were taken to Phoebe Sumter by private vehicles.

Officials say that fog played a factor in the accident and that the other vehicles involved were not able to brake in time.

As a result of the crash, both the northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 19 were closed for about 2.5 hours.

The crash is actively being investigated and charges are pending.

Anyone with information on the tractor-trailer that fled the scene is asked to contact GSP, Post 10, Americus at 229-931-2397.

WALB has reached out to GSP for more information. We will update you on air and online when we know more.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.