DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. — Nine people, including a newborn baby, were injured in a three-vehicle crash involving an ambulance early Saturday morning, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
The crash happened shortly after 7 a.m. at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Monroe Street in Albany. A Dougherty County EMS ambulance carrying two patients and three emergency medical staff collided with a 2017 Ford pickup truck. The impact caused the ambulance to overturn, striking a 2023 Buick Encore that was traveling through the intersection at the time.
Authorities said the ambulance had been traveling along Monroe Street when the collision occurred. Within minutes, Albany Police requested assistance from the GSP, which began its investigation at around 7:25 a.m.
Inside the ambulance were three EMS personnel — including the driver — and two patients. One of those patients was a newborn child who was being transported for medical care. The Ford pickup had two occupants, while the Buick carried two more. In total, nine individuals were involved in the crash.
All nine were taken to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital’s main campus for treatment. Officials confirmed that all injuries were non-life-threatening and that everyone involved was in stable condition by Saturday afternoon.
Photos from the scene showed the ambulance on its side near the intersection, surrounded by first responders and emergency vehicles. Paramedics and firefighters worked quickly to stabilize the injured and clear the area, closing sections of Pine Avenue for several hours while investigators collected evidence and assessed the wreckage.
Dougherty County EMS Director James Gibney released a statement thanking emergency crews for their rapid response and reassuring the public that safety procedures had been followed.
“The safety of our patients, our crews, and our community remains our highest priority,” Gibney said. “We are grateful that no serious injuries occurred and appreciate the swift and professional actions of all the first responders who assisted at the scene.”
He confirmed that both patients from the ambulance, including the newborn, were evaluated and remained under observation as a precautionary measure. The three EMS crew members were also treated for minor injuries before being released.
Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the collision. GSP troopers are reviewing traffic-light data, witness statements, and dash-camera footage to establish which vehicle entered the intersection first. Alcohol and excessive speed have not been cited as factors at this stage of the investigation.
Local residents said the intersection where the crash occurred has seen multiple accidents in recent years, with several calling for clearer signage and additional traffic control measures. “People speed through there all the time,” one resident said. “It’s a miracle no one was killed this morning.”
By mid-day, the wrecked vehicles had been removed and traffic reopened. Dougherty County officials said EMS operations continued without interruption, with backup ambulances and crews dispatched from nearby stations to ensure coverage.
Albany Mayor Bo Dorough also commended first responders. “This could have been a tragedy,” he said in a brief statement. “Thanks to the quick thinking of EMS personnel and the coordinated efforts of our police and fire departments, lives were protected today.”
The Georgia State Patrol has not yet released its preliminary report, but investigators are expected to provide an update once reconstruction of the crash sequence is complete.
For now, county officials say the focus is on supporting the recovery of the patients and EMS crew involved.
“We train for emergencies every day,” Gibney added. “But when the people providing the care become patients themselves, it hits close to home. We’re thankful everyone is going to be okay.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the Georgia State Patrol Post in Albany.
