Fatal Collision

Highway 52 Connector

   On August 19, 2000 at approximately 02:50 hours the Whitfield County 911 Center received a call of two vehicle collision on the Highway 52 Connector west of Underwood Road.

   Responding officers located a two vehicle collision involving a 1992 Buick Regal and a 1995 Peterbilt Semi Tractor.  Investigators with the Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the incident location and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

   Investigators report that the Buick Regal was traveling west on the 52 Connector when it crossed over the turning lane and into the oncoming eastbound traffic.  The Regal impacted the Peterbilt in the left rear drive axles of the truck.  Following impact the Perterbilt left the right side of the roadway where it overturned.  The Regal remained in the eastbound lanes of travel and caught fire.  A witness to the collision extinguished the flames while awaiting the arrival of emergency personnel.  Preliminary blood testing indicates the driver of the Buick Regal was likely to have been driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.

   The driver of the Regal has been identified as Mr. Leonel N. Sanchez, 24, of a Calhoun, Georgia address.  Mr. Sanchez died at the scene as a result of extensive internal injuries.  The driver of the Peterbilt was identified as Mr. Robert J. Langford, 47, of Chatsworth, Georgia.  Mr. Langford sustained minor injuries in the collision.

   No charges have been filed in this collision.