Pick-Up Truck Driver Rams GA Commercial Print Shop, Causes Significant Damage
ROCKMART, GA—September 10, 2014—A pick-up truck driver lost control of his vehicle after a fireworks show on Friday evening, hitting two men in a parking lot, and then ramming into Akins Printing's facility here. Chalmas Hobbs, 74, of Cedartown, drove a Dodge Ram pick-up truck that hit the men. One remains in critical condition, while the other has been released from the hospital.
William Akins, owner of Akins Printing, said that the back of the building—where the print shop's paper is stored, as well as its power supply—sustained extensive damage from the accident. Fortunately, no one was injured at the print shop. "This could have been a lot worse, and we are thankful that everyone else who attended the fireworks is OK." Akins stated that while there was no damage to equipment in his commercial print shop, the repairs to the facility will be significant. The company's plumbing system was also damaged.
According to Northwest Georgia News, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Trooper John Burnette reported that the truck driver was not injured, and no citations have been issued until the investigation is completed. "He told troopers that when he put the vehicle in reverse, he accidentally hit the accelerator and it got stuck," explained Burnette.
Since the accident, Akins Printing has not shut down, and Akins and his staff have been working around the clock. Water also seeped into the building due to the heavy rainfalls the area has been getting. "We made some modifications that will keep all of the moisture out, and are running dehumidifiers," Akins noted.
Akins hopes that he won't have to close his business while the repairs are being done, but admits there is a possibility. "We are anticipating maybe closing a couple of days but, if we can plan ahead, we can get through this."
Akins Printing has been in the Akins family since 1971, when William Akins' father purchased the shop from its original owner. The company was founded in 1945.