Georgia state troopers seek trucker in crash that killed woman, child

Friday, January 1, 1904

Georgia state troopers still are searching for the tractor-trailer that witnesses say caused a Saturday afternoon crash that killed a 29-year-old Calhoun, Ga., woman and a 4-year-old girl.

The maroon tractor-trailer changed lanes on Interstate 75 north at exit 293 in Bartow County and collided with a 1998 Ford Expedition, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The SUV was pushed off the right side of the road, hit a guardrail and a sign post and then was engulfed in flames.

The driver, Maria Tabuena, and her passenger, Melina Trichell, were killed. The wreck happened about 1:25 p.m., and witnesses said the truck driver never stopped. The late-'90s model tractor was pulling a silver trailer and was damaged on the right side.

Troopers ask anyone with information on the driver or crash to call the Georgia State Patrol at 770-387-3701.