Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged In Ga. Highway 400 Crash That Killed 1

CUMMING, GA — The driver of a tractor-trailer is facing charges in connection with a fatal crash in Forsyth County Friday night.

According to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, the multi-vehicle crash left a 65-year-old man dead and caused a more than five-hour road closure on Friday. The driver of a loaded tractor-trailer rear-ended a Nissan Rogue that was traveling northbound on Georgia Highway 400 and State Road 369 around 8:30 p.m, the sheriff's office said.

The crash caused a chain reaction, according to authorities. Both the tractor-trailer and Nissan crossed over the center median and went into the southbound lanes, where the tractor-trailer hit a Kia Sorento's driver's side front door, according to the sheriff's office.

The driver of the Kia, identified as James Wright, died at the scene, the sheriff's office said.

According to the sheriff's office, the other drivers and passengers had injuries that were not life threatening.

Charles Wilkins, 61, of Cumming, the driver of the tractor-trailer is facing multiple charges, the sheriff's office said. Wilkins is charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, too fast for conditions and following too close, according to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office said around 4 p.m. Monday that Wilkins is also facing additional charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug related objects and open container of alcohol.

The road was closed in both directions for hours for investigating and clean-up.

Wilkins is being held in the Forsyth County Jail without bond.