SUWANEE — Firefighters responded to a multivehicle crash on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 4:39 p.m. in unincorporated Suwanee.  The wreck took place on I-85 NB just south of Lawrenceville Suwanee Road.

When first responders arrived they found three vehicles to be involved which included one box truck, a semi-truck, and a horse trailer.  Firefighters located three horses in the trailer, one of which was entrapped and appeared injured. Crews thoroughly accessed the scene and found that the box truck was carrying acetylene tanks which could have caused a potential hazmat scene. It was determined that the tanks were not damaged in the wreck and were safe.  

Firefighters were able to free the first two horses without the use of heavy-duty tools and were able to stand on their own. The third horse, however, had to be cut out of the trailer using extrication tools. Firefighters were said to have done a great job of cutting that third horse free without causing further injury to the animal.  Despite the injuries the third horse had sustained, it was able to walk once freed.

A veterinarian was requested to respond to the scene to assess the injured horse and decide what action was needed for it.  Animal control was called to bring a horse trailer to transport the horses from the scene of the wreck.  

Two human patients were evaluated by paramedics at the scene.  One person was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  The second patient refused further medical treatment and signed a medical release.

Hazmat crews responded to the scene as well and put down granular absorbents to help soak up the diesel fuel that had spilled all over the roadway. Once the wreckage was all cleaned up, the interstate was opened back up and crews went back into service.

Units involved in assisting in this wreck were two fire engines, one squad, one hazmat truck, two medic units, one battalion chief, and animal control.

— Staff Reports