Multi-vehicle crash with serious injuries impacts traffic in Pooler Friday morning

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - [Update on Mar. 31, 2026] WTOC obtained the crash report details for a fatal crash that impacted traffic for hours the morning of Mar. 20.

According to the Georgia Motor Vehicle crash report, there were two vehicles involved and one fatality.

Crash details

The crash report narrative detailed preliminary findings based on witnesses and roadway evidence. The narrative says a tractor-trailer was traveling in the left lane on I-95 SB, and was approaching the Pine Barren Rd. overpass when the vehicle veered to the right across all lanes of travel, and hit the concrete wall protecting the Pine Barren Rd. overpass piers. The tractor became detached from trailer itself after impact and the driver was ejected onto the right shoulder.

The vehicle’s trailer continued south, and the narrative details it came to a rest on the right shoulder. The tractor-trailer continued in a southeasterly direction, and collided with and drove through the guardrail. The tractor-trailer went into the I-95 NB lanes, and came to a final rest in the roadway. According to the narrative report, the second vehicle involved, a Nissan Sentra “was in either the left or middle lane.”

According to the crash report narrative, the driver of the Nissan Sentra “attempted to swerve to avoid the collision, but still collided with the passenger side of ‘Vehicle 1.’”

The driver of the tractor-trailer was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the Nissan Sentra was taken to the hospital.

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage, according to the report. This crash is still being investigated by the Pooler Police Department’s Traffic Unit.

[Update on Mar. 20, 2026 at 11:44 a.m.] Only southbound lanes remain opened on I-95 near Pine Barren Road, according to GDOT cameras.

[Update on Mar. 20, 2026 at 11:07 a.m.] All lanes on I-95 previously closed due to a vehicle crash have been reopened, according to Chatham Emergency Management Agency.

[Update on Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:52 a.m.] WTOC crews on the scene confirm one lane going eastbound on I-16 was opened and the overpass is now open.

[ORIGINAL STORY] Pooler PD said all lanes of I-95 North & South, between I-16 and Hwy 80, are shut down due to a multi-vehicle crash with serious injuries.

Police said the closure will last for hours and delays are expected.

WTOC crews on the scene saw fire, law enforcement and EMS responding. Law enforcement said to avoid the area if possible as First Responders tend to those involved and work to clear the scene.

Pooler Fire-Rescue said the bridge going over I-95 on Pine Barren Road is shut down as well due to the crash.

Stick with WTOC for the latest traffic alerts.