One Killed in Tractor-Trailer Wreck on I-85

The driver of an 18-wheeler is dead after his rig collided with an oncoming tractor-trailer.

According to the Georgia State Patrol Hartwell Post, the wreck happened about 2p Thursday near mile marker 170 when two tractor trailers collided.

Sgt. Brian Roberts with the GSP Hartwell Post says the impact caused both 18-wheelers to burst into flames.

“We had a truck headed northbound and he crossed the median for unknown reasons,” Sgt. Roberts said. “Witnesses said there appeared to be no reason why he crossed the median. He struck another 18-wheeler headed southbound in the side of that truck’s trailer causing that truck to oveturn. Both trucks burst into flames. The tractor of the 18-wheeler headed northbound became fully engulfed in flames. The trailer of the southbound tractor-trailer also burst into flames and was destroyed.”

The driver of the northbound 18-wheeler died at the scene. He was identified as Phillip Leon House of Commerce.The other driver was identified as Daryl Eugene Johnson of Riverdale.

Johnson was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center where was was treated and later released.

Traffic southbound is at a standstill while troopers continue to work the accident scene and crews work to clear the wreckage.

All southbound traffic is being diverted off Exit 173 in Lavonia to Highway 59 down to Exit 166 in Carnesville and back on to the Interstate.