Chatham Co., GA (July 3, 2026) – Two people died, and three others were injured on Thursday afternoon, July 2, after a five-vehicle crash on Georgia Highway 204 in Chatham County.
The crash happened on GA-204 at Fort Argyle Road, in front of 450 Argyle Road near Nine Line Apparel. Georgia State Patrol troopers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers, Chatham County police, Chatham Emergency Services, and Savannah fire crews were called to the roadway.
According to a preliminary report, a tractor-trailer traveling east on GA-204 crossed the center line after sideswiping a Subaru. Investigators said the trailer also struck a Mazda before the tractor-trailer entered the westbound lanes and collided head-on with a Ford Flex.
After that impact, the Mazda crossed into the westbound lanes and struck a Chevrolet. Authorities said the tractor-trailer and Ford Flex caught fire after the crash.
The Chatham County coroner identified one of the people who died as 74-year-old Willie Roberson of Statesboro. The identity of the second person killed was not immediately released.
Officials said three other people were injured, with at least some suffering serious injuries. Emergency crews reported that at least one person was trapped in a vehicle and that at least one person was ejected.
Six people in total were taken to a trauma center at a local hospital, according to Chatham County EMS. Two patients later required emergency transport to Augusta for additional care.
All five vehicles were towed from the crash site, and a Level II inspection of the commercial vehicle was completed there. Fort Argyle Road was shut down for several hours while investigators worked to reconstruct the sequence.
Our condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who died, and we hope the injured people receive the care they need.
Five-Vehicle Crashes With Fires Bring Major Rescue Challenges
Five-vehicle crashes can create serious hazards because several impacts may happen within seconds. Drivers and passengers may face injuries from the first collision, secondary crashes, debris, or vehicles pushed into nearby lanes.
Vehicle fires make rescue work even more urgent. Heat, smoke, leaking fluids, and damaged metal may create danger for injured people, emergency units, and anyone nearby until fire crews bring the flames under control.
Commercial truck crashes usually require a detailed investigation. Officials may review lane position, vehicle damage, roadway evidence, driver statements, traffic flow, fire damage, and inspection results to understand how the crash unfolded.
