A transport van carrying inmates in east Georgia was involved in a crash last Friday morning after the driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in several injuries. The Georgia State Patrol responded to the incident which occurred on Jones Street near East Hamilton Street in Sparta at around 6:30 a.m.
Carrying eight inmates and two deputies to the Washington County Detention Center, the Walton County Sheriff's Office inmate transport van crossed the center line and collided with a utility pole. The Georgia State Patrol informed WSB-TV that, "The driver of the van told GSP he fell asleep while driving, causing him to cross the center line and hit a utility pole." Despite the concerning circumstances, all injuries reported were non-life-threatening.
The injured parties, including one deputy, were transported to the Washington County Regional Medical Center for treatment, while the remaining deputy was treated at the scene. Sparta Police Department, along with mutual aid from the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, provided security for the inmates during their hospital stay, according to a report from FOX 5 Atlanta.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation clarified yesterday that the driver is not suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the crash. Details surrounding the crash are continuing to unravel as authorities are thoroughly investigating what happened. The driver's identity, along with those of the inmates, was not immediately released. The investigation by the Georgia State Patrol is actively ongoing, with updates expected as they become available.
