A fiery semi-truck crash in Georgia is one of the worst accidents that can occur on our highways. This type of accident often causes fatalities, critical injuries, permanent disfigurements, and lasting psychological trauma. These incidents are also surprisingly common, and semi-truck fires seem to be occurring at a worrying pace throughout Georgia. Why are these accidents so dangerous, and what can you do if you experienced a semi-truck fire firsthand?
Georgia Firefighter Dies Trying to Fight Semi-Truck Fire
In September of 2024, it was reported that a firefighter had lost his life fighting a truck fire on Route 15. As the firefighter risked his life to fight the inferno, the trailer exploded and caused him to suffer fatal injuries.
This individual had been a volunteer firefighter since a young age. He eventually became battalion chief in 2021, serving honorably in Morgan County and Buckhead for three years in this position until his passing. He was 35 years old, and his loss is being grieved by his family and his community.
This incident shows just how dangerous semi-truck fires can be in Georgia. Even if the inferno seems stable at first, secondary explosions are always possible. This is particularly true if a fire spreads to the gas tank of a semi-truck, as these gas tanks are often high-capacity. Because of the amount of fuel in these gas tanks, explosions can be quite devastating.
Of course, semi-trucks often haul explosive or flammable materials. This may have been what caused the death of the firefighter since reports indicate that the explosion came from the trailer – and not the vehicle itself.
Second Semi-Truck Explosion Reported on I-75
Just days earlier, another semi-truck explosion was reported on I-75 in Cobb County. Officials say that a semi-truck was traveling down the interstate when it struck a bridge. Unfortunately, this semi-truck was hauling barrels of brake fluid – and this highly flammable material ignited after the collision.
Fire crews were quick to arrive on the scene, and they immediately started fighting the inferno. However, the barrels began exploding – making their work exponentially more difficult. To complicate matters even further, this caused an environmental concern – and hazmat teams were called in to clear away the spills.
Somehow, this incident did not cause any injuries. However, it caused major delays on I-75 – increasing the risk of accidents for other drivers. In addition, one has to wonder why so many semi-trucks are crashing into highway bridges and overpasses. This is proving to be a common occurrence across North America – and it indicates considerable negligence in the trucking industry. It goes without saying that an experienced trucker should know when their vehicle is too tall to pass underneath a bridge.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Semi-Truck Fires Cause?
Semi-truck fires are capable of causing considerable injuries. First, they may cause disfiguring burns, which affect a victim’s self-esteem for the rest of their lives. Smoke inhalation is another common injury, and this might cause permanent damage to the lungs. Explosions can cause a range of serious injuries – including brain damage and lacerations. Of course, semi-truck fires are also capable of causing fatalities.