Pulaski County, GA (August 12, 2026) – One person died, and another was critically hurt after a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer collided on Eastman Highway near Lower River Road.
The crash happened when a tractor-trailer carrying corn attempted to turn left onto Eastman Highway. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the pickup truck continued through a red light and struck the right side of the trailer.
The pickup truck went underneath the trailer, trapping the driver and passenger. The passenger, 75-year-old Fred Hitchcock, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 22-year-old pickup driver from Uvalda was taken by air to a Macon hospital with critical injuries. He had not been charged at the time of the report.
The tractor-trailer driver, a 74-year-old man from Unadilla, was not reported to have been injured. One cow died in the collision, while the remaining cattle were moved to another trailer.
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation. Our condolences go to Fred Hitchcock’s loved ones, and we hope the injured driver makes a full recovery.
What Can Happen When a Vehicle Strikes a Tractor-Trailer?
Collisions involving pickup trucks and tractor-trailers can be particularly severe because of the major difference in size and weight between the vehicles. A smaller vehicle can become lodged beneath a trailer during certain types of crashes, increasing the risk of serious injuries.
Intersections can present additional risks when large trucks are making turns. A tractor-trailer needs more space to complete a turn, while other drivers must account for traffic signals and the truck’s movement.
The severity of injuries can also depend on the point of contact, vehicle speeds, and whether the occupants were properly restrained. Investigators may review traffic signals, vehicle damage, roadway markings, witness accounts, and other available evidence to establish how the collision occurred.
