Driver fatally injured after driving off roadway on I-85 Wednesday

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR

The driver of an 18-wheeler is dead after his truck ran off the road on I-85 Southbound Wednesday afternoon.

It happened about 5p just south of the 177 southbound on ramp.

Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland said last night they’re not sure why the truck ran off the road.

Firefighters from Lavonia, Hart County, and Carnes Creek were on the scene within minutes, along with EMS, Rescue trucks and the Georgia Forestry Commission trucks.

Several Water trucks had to be brought in to fight the blaze and according to Sheriff Cleveland, flames from the fire were so hot several firefighters fell out and had to be revived by EMT’s.

As of 9p Wednesday, fire crews were still on the scene trying to put out the smoldering truck so they could get to the driver’s body.