Port Wentworth, GA (March 21, 2026) – One person died, and two others were hurt following a three-vehicle crash on State Route 25 just east of the Houlihan Bridge in Port Wentworth.
The accident occurred around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Early findings indicate that a driver traveling eastbound on State Route 25 fell asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to cross into the westbound lane.
The vehicle then collided with an oncoming car. The driver of the second vehicle died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. After the initial impact, the first vehicle overturned in the roadway. A tractor-trailer traveling through the area then struck the overturned vehicle.
Emergency units responded to the scene and provided aid to those involved. Both the driver of the first vehicle and the tractor-trailer driver were reported injured.
The crash led to the closure of State Route 25 for about 4.5 hours while crews worked at the scene. The roadway was later reopened to traffic.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Driver Fatigue Can Lead to Serious Highway Crashes
Driver fatigue can affect reaction time, judgment, and awareness behind the wheel. When a driver becomes drowsy, the ability to stay in the correct lane or respond to changing traffic conditions can quickly decline.
Fatigue-related crashes often occur when a driver briefly falls asleep or loses focus. Even a brief lapse in attention can cause a vehicle to drift into another lane or leave the roadway.
On highways, where vehicles travel at higher speeds, these incidents can lead to severe collisions. When a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, the resulting crash can involve multiple vehicles and create dangerous chain reactions.
Sleep deprivation, long driving hours, and nighttime travel are common factors linked to fatigue-related accidents. Because of the sudden loss of control involved, these crashes often result in significant vehicle damage and serious injuries.
