Franklin County, GA (February 20, 2026) – Two separate crashes early Thursday morning shut down the northbound lanes of Interstate 85 in Franklin County for about two and a half hours.
The first collision occurred around 3:53 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, near mile marker 157. A 2007 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by Andrey Tarasyuk, 42, of Gaffney, South Carolina, and a 2021 Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by Dennis Melton, 53, of Fitzgerald, were traveling north in the right lane. A 2015 Honda Civic driven by Philip Royle, 41, of Eastanollee, was in the left lane.
According to reports, the Freightliner was moving slowly with hazard lights on when the Volvo, following too closely, hit its rear. Debris from the crash struck the Honda, which then left the roadway, hit a guardrail, and came to a stop. Tarasyuk was taken to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. Melton and Royle were not hurt.
While that crash was under investigation, a second accident happened in the same northbound lanes. A 2005 Chevrolet tow truck driven by Tommy Atkins, 73, of Carbon Hill, Alabama, rear-ended a 2024 International tractor-trailer driven by Ricardo Hall, 47, of Camilla. Atkins was taken to St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries. Larry Atkins, 75, a passenger in the tow truck, and Hall were not injured.
Both northbound lanes remained closed for about 2½ hours as emergency units cleared the scene. Charges are pending against the drivers of the Volvo and the Chevrolet. The incidents remain under investigation.
High-speed corridors serving regional traffic can amplify the impact of crashes. In Franklin County, responders typically reduce speeds through the area while assisting those involved.
If you are involved in a highway crash, move to a safe area if possible and check for injuries. Use hazard lights to alert approaching drivers. Take photos of vehicle damage and roadway layout if safe. Check traffic updates before returning to the route.
Why Are Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes Common in Early Morning Hours?
Early morning highway travel often includes a mix of long-haul trucks and local drivers. Reduced visibility and fatigue can increase the risk of rear-end collisions, especially when vehicles slow unexpectedly.
Large commercial trucks require more distance to stop. When one vehicle slows with limited warning, drivers behind it may not have enough time to react. Debris from an initial crash can also create additional hazards for nearby vehicles.
When multiple crashes happen close together, traffic can back up quickly. Clearing damaged vehicles and investigating the scene may require temporary lane closures to ensure safety for everyone on the roadway.
