Accident on HWY 247 causes rollover

A 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT and a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee collided Sunday on Highway 247 at around 2:30 p.m. with each driver blaming the other for causing the accident. 

According to the Georgia State Patrol crash report, the Cruze LT, driven by 24-year-old Ivannah Campbell of Warner Robins, was traveling south on GA 247 in the left turning lane and was making a left turn in to a private gas station parking lot at the Elberta Road intersection. The Grand Cherokee, whose driver was 72-year-old Brenda Renfroe of Cochran, was traveling north on GA 247 in the right lane approaching the intersection.

Both the north and southbound lanes had a green traffic signal. As Campbell made a left turn, she failed to yield to Renfroe as she was proceeding north through the intersection. The failure to yield caused Renfroe’s vehicle to strike the right passenger door of the vehicle driven by Campbell with the right corner of the vehicle’s bumper.

Following the impact, the Cruze LT began to over turn onto its driver’s side, eventually coming to rest on its top facing southeast in a ditch located on the northeast side of the intersection. The Grand Cherokee continued forward then came to a rest in the ditch facing northeast directly beside the Cruze LT.

When asked what happened, Campbell told authorities that as she approached the intersection in the turning lane, her light was green; therefore she proceeded to turn left. She reported that Renfroe pulled out in front of her. Renfroe, however, told police that she was traveling north on GA 247 approaching the intersection. When asked, she stated that the Cruze pulled out in front of her.

A witness to the accident, Elijah Wellborn stated that he was stopped in the left northbound turning lane of GA 247 waiting on traffic when he observed Campbell turn out in front of Renfroe. Campbell was issued a citation and determined to be the driver at fault.

Reportedly, the Cherokee was also carrying one passenger, 82-year-old Hillory Renfroe. In total, three injuries were reported, but the extent of those injuries is unknown. Kitchens Towing removed both vehicles from the scene.