Three-car collision involves nine people

A three-car accident that took place Friday afternoon around 2:00 p.m. involved nine people, including five children.

According to the official report, 18-year-old Stephani Doblack-Mellum of Warner Robins admitted that she was talking on her phone with a friend via Bluetooth as she traveled south in her 2018 Nissan Kick on GA Hwy 11 approaching the intersection of Carolyn Court. Doblack-Mellum made a left turn in front of 30-year-old Stephanie Atkinson, who was traveling north on GA Highway 11 in her 2012 Dodge Durango. Doblack-Mellum said that she did not see the Durango until the impact occurred.

The Georgia State Patrol accident report indicates that Atkinson, who is a resident of Dry Branch, believed Doblack-Mellum was distracted because of the way the Kick turned directly in front of her. Atkinson reported that she purposely steered her vehicle off the roadway to avoid potentially colliding with other vehicles that were traveling southbound at the time.

A third vehicle—a 2012 Nissan Armada—driven by 52-year-old Kim Helm of Warner Robins made contact with the rear of the Kick, which had crashed in front of her. Based on the report, Helm stated that she was not certain of the direction of travel of either of the other two vehicles that were involved.

Eyewitnesses to the accident confirmed Atkins’ statement of Doblack-Mellum turning in front of her and causing the crash. Kitchens Towing removed the Durango and Kick from the accident scene. The Armada was removed by the driver.

A total of nine individuals were involved in the collision. Doblack-Mellum was traveling alone in her vehicle while Atkinson had five passengers (one adult and four children) and Helms had one child passenger. Doblack-Mellum was transported by Houston EMS to Houston Medical Center with undisclosed injuries.

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