Three-Vehicle Cartersville Accident Leaves Driver in Critical Condition

The Cartersville Police Department is investigating an accident that left one driver seriously injured.

The agency responded to the accident just after 5 p.m. Sept. 30 along S.R. 61/U.S. 411 just south of its intersection with Industrial Park Road.

According to an incident report released by the agency, a 1995 Chevrolet 1500 driven by Oliver Dwyane Hutchens of Rome was traveling southbound along S.R. 61/U.S. 411 as a 1999 Dodge 2500, driven by Cartersville resident Clifford L. Smith, had stopped to wait for traffic to clear so he could make a left turn into Rollins Ranch, which sits at 2150 U.S. Highway 411.

Smith told the officer he observed the Chevrolet 1500 ”approaching his rear and not slowing down.”

The truck slammed into his vehicle, forcing him to veer into the path of a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado driven by Earl Wesley Hahn of Cartersville, which was traveling northbound along S.R. 61 near the entrance of Rollins Ranch.

The Dodge collided with the Chevrolet Colorado. 

An initial investigation conducted by Cartersville police indicate the 1995 Chevrolet 1500 was following too closely, which caused it to hit the Dodge from behind. That impact forced the Dodge to veer into Chevrolet Colorado’s lane of travel, which caused the Colorado to strike the Dodge on its right side.

The Colorado veered to its right and struck the fence head-on outside Rollins Ranch.

Hutchens, who was unable to provide a statement at the scene due to his injuries, was transported via helicopter to Atlanta Medical Center with “severe injuries,” the report states. Cartersville police spokesperson Capt. Mark Camp said Hutchens remains in critical condition.

Smith complained of pain in his ribs and two passengers in his vehicle also complained of back and neck pain. Hahn, the driver of the Chevrolet Colorado, had a visible cut to his hand and passengers in his truck complained of pain in their shoulder areas.

Everyone except one one passenger in the Dodge — who declined treatment — were transported to Cartersville Medical Center where they were treated for injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.

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