DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. — Nine people, including a newborn baby, were injured early Saturday morning in a three-vehicle crash involving a Dougherty County EMS ambulance, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
The accident occurred just after 7 a.m. at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Monroe Street in Albany. Officials said the ambulance — carrying two patients and three emergency medical staff — collided with a 2017 Ford pickup truck, causing the ambulance to overturn and strike a 2023 Buick Encore passing through the intersection.
Authorities said the ambulance was traveling along Monroe Street when the collision occurred. Albany Police requested GSP assistance shortly after, and investigators began their review at approximately 7:25 a.m.
Inside the ambulance were two patients, one of whom was a newborn being transported for medical care, along with three EMS crew members. The Ford pickup had two occupants, and the Buick carried another two. In total, nine people were involved in the crash.
All nine individuals were transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, officials confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening, and everyone was reported in stable condition by Saturday afternoon.
Photos from the scene showed the ambulance on its side near the intersection, surrounded by emergency vehicles. Crews worked quickly to assist the injured and clear debris, leading to temporary closures along Pine Avenue.
Dougherty County EMS Director James Gibney praised the rapid response of emergency personnel, saying, “The safety of our patients, our crews, and our community remains our highest priority. We are grateful that no serious injuries occurred and appreciate the swift, professional actions of all the first responders at the scene.”
Gibney confirmed that both patients — including the newborn — were kept under observation as a precaution, and the EMS crew members received treatment for minor injuries before being released.
The Georgia State Patrol is continuing its investigation, reviewing witness statements, traffic-light data, and dashcam footage to determine the cause of the collision. Investigators have stated that neither alcohol nor excessive speed appears to have been a factor at this time.
Local residents noted that the intersection has been the site of several accidents in recent years and called for additional traffic safety measures. “People drive too fast through there,” one witness said. “It’s a miracle no one was killed.”
By midday, the wreckage had been cleared, and traffic reopened. Dougherty County EMS maintained uninterrupted service, dispatching backup ambulances to ensure coverage across the area.
Albany Mayor Bo Dorough also praised the efforts of first responders, saying, “This could have been a tragedy. Thanks to the quick actions of our EMS, police, and fire departments, lives were protected today.”
The GSP’s investigation remains ongoing, and anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the Georgia State Patrol Post in Albany.