Authorities: Macon Man’s Suicide Attempt Led to Fiery Tanker Crash

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon man’s suicide attempt led to a fiery tanker crash that snarled traffic on interstate 475 for several hours.

According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s office, the crash happened Friday night around 11:00 p.m. on Thomaston Road near the I-475 exit. Officials said 26-year-old Nicholas Owens drove his 2006 Volvo station wagon into the fuel tanker, when he “decided that he wanted to end his life.” The tanker engulfed in flames, burning Owens’ legs. Owens’ then got out of his vehicle was about to jump the Thomaston Road bridge when he was apprehended by Macon police officers.

The driver of the fuel tanker, Byron Cummings of Macon, was unharmed. Owens was treated for minor injuries at the Medical Center of Central Georgia and was transported to the burn center in Augusta.

The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the traffic accident.