Editors note: The family of the injured man in the vehicle fire would like to contact those who helped him at the scene. If you have any information on those who took part, please contact nwatson@gainesvilletimes.com.
A man who suffered severe burns to more than half his body in a wreck was in the hospital in critical condition Friday afternoon, Georgia State Trooper David Kraeling said.
Manuel Spear, 52, of Flowery Branch, was pulled from a burning van by several passers-by, Kraeling said. The GSP trooper said the bystanders pulled Spear out through the passenger side of the van.
He was burned over 50 to 55 percent of his body, mostly the lower extremities, Kraeling said. He reported Spear’s pants had been burned when he was pulled from the van.
Spear was driving a company van west on McEver Road when his vehicle and a transfer truck collided near the intersection of Lanier Islands Parkway and McEver Road in South Hall County.
The tractor-trailer was hauling golf carts. Tony Cline of Harlem was driving the semi truck.
The semi was traveling down Lanier Islands Parkway toward McEver.
Kraeling explained the collision turned the van 180 degrees, and it caught on fire.
The van was fully engulfed in flames by the time emergency responders and firefighters arrived, he said.