*DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga.* — What was meant to be a life-saving trip turned into a scene of chaos early Saturday morning when a Dougherty County EMS ambulance overturned at a busy intersection, leaving nine people injured — including a newborn infant who was being transported for medical care.
*The Crash: A Routine Transport Turns Tragic*
The accident occurred just after 7:00 a.m. at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Monroe Street in Albany, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
The Dougherty County EMS ambulance was traveling on Monroe Street with three EMTs and two patients on board — one of them a newborn baby. At the intersection, the ambulance collided with a 2017 Ford pickup truck. The force of the impact caused the ambulance to roll over onto its side.
The initial collision then triggered a secondary crash, striking a 2023 Buick Encore that was crossing through the intersection on Pine Avenue.
Photos from the scene showed the white and maroon ambulance lying on its side, surrounded by shattered glass, debris, and emergency equipment scattered across the sidewalk and grass. Witnesses described sirens wailing and first responders rushing to help — including to their own colleagues. “It was surreal,” one bystander told local media. “The people who usually save lives suddenly needed saving themselves.”
*Victims and Hospital Response*
In total, nine people were involved across the three vehicles. Inside the ambulance were three EMS personnel and two patients. The other two vehicles carried two occupants each.
All nine individuals were transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, also known as Phoebe Main, for evaluation. Officials confirmed that all injuries were non-life-threatening and that everyone was listed in stable condition later that morning.
The fact that a newborn was among the injured made the crash even more alarming for bystanders and medical staff. Due to the vulnerability of infants, doctors conducted extensive tests on the baby to rule out any hidden complications. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported for the newborn, who remained under observation as a precaution.
*Official Statements and Investigation*
Dougherty County EMS said emergency protocols were activated immediately after the crash. Additional ambulance units were dispatched to the scene to continue patient care and transport.
James Gibney, Director of Dougherty County EMS, released a statement expressing relief that the situation was not worse:
> “The safety of our patients, crews, and community remains our highest priority. We are grateful that no serious injuries occurred and we appreciate the swift response of first responders at the scene.”
The Georgia State Patrol was called in by Albany Police around 7:25 a.m. to lead the investigation. As of the latest update, the crash remains under investigation to determine the exact cause. Authorities have not yet said whether speed, driver error, or road conditions contributed to the accident.
Parts of Pine Avenue and Monroe Street were closed for several hours while crews cleared debris and documented the scene.
*A Reminder of the Risks First Responders Face*
This incident highlights the dangers that emergency personnel face every day. Even while rushing to save others, EMTs and paramedics are exposed to significant risks on the road, especially when responding with lights and sirens.
Community members and local leaders praised the quick response of Albany Police, Dougherty County Fire Department, and EMS teams who worked together to treat and transport all victims.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the nine injured, including the newborn whose first days of life began with an unexpected trip to the emergency room.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected once GSP completes its report.
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