Three people died as a result of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident Monday morning just inside Banks County at the intersection of Hwys. 51 and 63.
A 1997 Dodge Neon, driven by Michael Benefield, 50, of Carnesville, was involved in the accident when it collided with a 10-wheel garbage truck belonging to Waste Management. According to a report from the Georgia State Patrol office in Gainesville, Benefield did not stop at the intersection as he was traveling on Hwy. 63. Banks County sheriff Charles Chapman said traffic on Hwy. 51 does not have to stop at the crossing.
Benefield, along with his wife, Sherry Benefield, 44, and another passenger, Robin Ayers, 39, were all killed as a result of the accident. Michael Benefield was lifeflighted from the scene but also later died, Chapman said.
The driver of the Waste Management truck, identified as Edward Harris, was not injured.
The GSP handled the accident scene. BCSO deputies helped assist with re-routing of traffic for approximately two hours following the accident.
