CARNESVILLE, Ga. — A devastating head-on collision on Monday afternoon has left one young woman dead and three others, including two children, seriously injured in Franklin County. The crash has shaken the small community of Carnesville as investigators work to determine exactly what led to the deadly impact.
The Georgia State Patrol identified the victim as 19-year-old Zoie Marie Atkinson of Carnesville. Officials say she was pronounced dead at the scene following the violent crash, which occurred around 4:35 p.m. on Stone Bridge Road, just south of Andrews Road.
Troopers from Georgia State Patrol Post 52 in Hartwell, along with local emergency responders, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the collision was reported. Authorities say the crash involved a silver 2018 Dodge Challenger traveling westbound and a red 2010 Ford Fusion driven by Atkinson.
Preliminary findings indicate the Dodge Challenger crossed the center line for reasons still under investigation and struck Atkinson’s vehicle head-on. Investigators say the force of the impact caused both vehicles to rotate before coming to a stop, highlighting the severity of the crash.
The driver of the Dodge Challenger, 66-year-old Debra Ann Smith of Carnesville, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina for emergency treatment. Officials say her condition remains serious as she continues to receive care.
Two children in the Ford Fusion were also critically injured. A 10-year-old girl was airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Medical Center, while an 8-year-old boy was transported by Franklin County EMS to Greenville Memorial Hospital. Stone Bridge Road was closed for several hours as investigators with the Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team examined the scene. Officials say no impairment is currently suspected, but the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether charges will be filed.