By Trent Crawford, nowhabersham.com
Helen, Ga. – Seven people were injured in a three-vehicle crash just south of Helen on Aug.12.
According to preliminary information from the Georgia State Patrol, at about 5:16 p.m., a trooper from Post 6 in Gainesville responded to a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Georgia 384 (Duncan Bridge Road) and Georgia 17 (Helen Highway) in White County.
The investigation determined a black Toyota 4-Runner, driven by 34-year-old Cleveland resident Sierra Fenton, failed to yield after stopping at the intersection stop sign. While attempting to turn left, Fenton entered the path of a white Toyota Highlander, driven by 73-year-old Mary Palmer of Murphy, N.C., that was traveling north on Georgia 17.
The Highlander and 4-Runner collided in the intersection. The initial collision pushed the Highlander across the centerline, where it struck a rail buggy – a dune buggy-type vehicle – traveling south on Georgia 17. The rail buggy was operated by 43-year-old Justin Martin of Clermont.
Emergency Medical Services transported Fenton to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Her two minor children were not transported, but one had a minor visible injury, according to troopers.
Palmer and her two passengers, Cheri Collier, 36, and Helen Baliles, 71, both of Murphy, were transported with minor, visible injuries.
Martin was transported for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. His passenger – Cortney Martin, 42, of Clermont – was not transported but had minor visible injuries.
Due to the call volume and number of patients, ambulances from Habersham, Hall and Lumpkin counties assisted White County EMS with the call. The crash is still under investigation.