Fatal Tractor-Trailer Crash Shuts Down I-85 in Franklin County
Franklin County, GA – A tragic accident Wednesday morning claimed the life of a tractor-trailer driver and brought traffic on Interstate 85 to a standstill for several hours.
At approximately 7:40 a.m. on September 10, 2025, Georgia State Patrol Post 52 troopers responded to reports of a serious one-vehicle crash along the southbound lanes of I-85 near mile marker 176.
According to SFC R. Camran Fleming, the preliminary investigation revealed that a yellow 2012 Volvo tractor-trailer was traveling in the right lane when it suddenly veered off the east shoulder of the highway. The truck struck a cable barrier with its left side before overturning onto its driver’s side. From there, it slid across the roadway, colliding with the west shoulder guardrail. The vehicle finally came to rest in the southbound lanes after rotating clockwise.
The driver, later identified as 44-year-old Reinaldo Negron of New Jersey, was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials reported that no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Authorities temporarily withheld the driver’s identity until family in New Jersey could be notified.
As emergency responders worked the scene, I-85 Southbound remained closed for more than three hours. Crews are still working to clear the roadway and restore traffic flow.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation as troopers continue to piece together what led to the deadly incident.
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