Trucker killed after load dislodges, crashes into cab

SNELLVILLE, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - A freak accident claimed the life of a Georgia trucker Tuesday. Police said the trucker lost his life when his load dislodged and crushed him.

Columbus trucker William Turnage slammed on his brakes while traveling eastbound on West Main Street, also known as Highway 78, in Snellville. That is when Turnage's load shifted and several incredibly heavy steel beams slide right into the cab and killed the 76-year-old.

Several lanes of Highway 78 were shut down Tuesday afternoon. Snellville police worked the single-vehicle accident for hours. They had the challenge of removing such a heavy load from the roadway.

Investigators hope to figure out why the driver abruptly applied his brakes. They are talking to witnesses and reviewing surveillance video in the area to determine why such an unusual accident happened.