Authorities in Toombs County, Georgia, have released new information about a deadly head-on collision that occurred Tuesday evening, leaving one man dead and a woman critically injured. The crash happened around 8 p.m. on US Highway 1 South near Green Oak Road and involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. Deputies, firefighters, and EMS crews responded quickly after receiving reports of a serious wreck with people trapped inside their vehicles.
According to the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, the collision took place when a northbound white Ford truck suddenly crossed over into the southbound lane and struck a white van head-on. The impact was severe, crushing the front of both vehicles and trapping the drivers inside. Emergency crews from the Toombs County Fire Department worked urgently to free the victims, while Toombs-Montgomery EMS provided immediate medical care at the scene.
The truck’s driver, 86-year-old Oliver Coleman of Swainsboro, suffered critical injuries in the crash. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, where he later passed away. The van’s driver, 71-year-old Yolanda Orozco-Delgado of Lyons, was also seriously injured. After initial treatment, she was taken to Air Evac Base 91 in Vidalia and then flown to Savannah for advanced medical care. She remains in critical condition as doctors work to stabilize her.
Following the collision, the Georgia State Patrol Post 18 in Reidsville took over the investigation. Early findings indicate that Coleman’s truck crossed the centerline unexpectedly, leading investigators to believe he may have suffered a medical emergency before losing control. Although the exact nature of the medical issue has not been confirmed, authorities say it is a likely factor in the crash. Additional details will be released as investigators continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Toombs County Sheriff Jordan Knight issued a statement offering condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He asked the community to keep both the Coleman family and Orozco-Delgado’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers. The sheriff also noted the coordinated efforts of deputies, firefighters, EMS personnel, and air medical teams who worked together during the intense rescue and response.
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of roadway accidents due to the powerful impact created when two vehicles strike each other from opposite directions. This crash serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly medical emergencies on the road can turn deadly, especially for older drivers. As the investigation moves forward, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Georgia State Patrol.
