Augusta, GA
‘Boom! Blew up right there’: Train slams into semi in Grovetown
GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A stuck 18-wheeler was blown apart and dragged by a train that hit it on the tracks in Grovetown on Friday afternoon – but amazingly no one was injured.
The semi, a McLain food-service delivery truck, was trying to cross the railroad tracks when it got stuck on a hump.
Then the train came along just after 12:35 p.m.
Although the train wasn’t moving at a high speed, the front of the truck was torn apart.
“You could hear the train, see the train coming. I didn’t really think it was going to hit the truck, but that thing, you know, boom, blew up right there,” said one witness who was outside a nearby Walgreens.
The driver apparently got out of the truck after it became stuck, since police said no one was hurt, and the railroad described the truck as unoccupied.
But it could be a while before traffic is back to normal.
Police said drivers should avoid Katherine Street at Old Wrightsboro Road as much as possible.
“No injuries have been reported, however the cleanup is going to take a while,” Police Chief Jamey Kitchens said.
The train didn’t derail, and crews at the scene indicated it would be moved sometime after 3 p.m.
Kitchens said there are no hazardous materials issues and tow trucks were en route.
Traffic was being diverted.
WATCH: PASSENGER GETS VIDEO OF TRAIN SLAMMING INTO TRUCK
People familiar with the area said trucks get stuck there often. A yellow sign in front of the crossing says, “No trucks.”
A neighbor said trucks get stuck so often that the city should do something about it.
He blamed the “truck stands” that project from the bottom of the trailer, saying they get stuck on the hump at the crossing.
WATCH: HERE’S A VIEW OF TRAIN SLAMMING INTO TRUCK
Possibly knowing what might happen, several people recorded videos of the truck stuck on the track.
That’s what caught the attention of the witness at Walgreens.
“I was coming out of Walgreens. I had to come get me some milk this morning because, you know, my wife ain’t cooking breakfast. So I was getting some milk, come to my car and I seen the truck sitting on the track – because it was just sitting on the track,“ he said.
And then the crash happened.
Besides the truck being torn apart, much of its cargo was strewn beside the tracks.
Two workers from the Subway in Harlem showed up at the crash scene and said the truck was headed their way and apparently had their food inside.
WATCH: DOORBELL CAM CATCHES TRAIN SLAMMING INTO TRUCK
CSX confirmed no one was hurt on the train.
“The cause of the incident is currently under investigation,” the railroad told News 12.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Salvation Army of Augusta collects heat relief supplies
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is collecting supplies to help community members who lack access to cool spaces or water during the ongoing heat.
The organization is asking for donations of bottled water, reusable bottles, sunscreen, fans and similar items.
What to donate and where to drop off
Jonathan Raymer, major and area commander for the Salvation Army of Augusta, said the need will carry into July.
“It’s not going to get any cooler in July, right? We all live here. And so those are supplies we can definitely use going into next month,” Raymer said.
Raymer said donated items will go directly to people in the community who are in need.
“Any of those kind of things that you are able — or maybe you have some in excess of — if you want to donate those, we can use those for sure for those people in our community who are in need for that,” he said.
Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, the Kroc Center or any Salvation Army Family Store. Or you can buy an item on the organization’s wishlist.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
16-year-old wanted in aggravated assault case in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a 16-year-old wanted in connection with an aggravated assault.
Deputies responded to the 2300 block of Travis Pines Drive on May 18 after reports of shots being fired into a home, according to an incident report.
Investigators say Kawung Bentley Jr. is wanted in connection with the alleged shooting.
According to deputies, two people inside the home said they were lying in a bedroom when gunshots came through the bedroom window. One of the occupants said she ran to the bathroom and hid in the tub.
The other occupant told deputies he saw four males creeping around outside the residence before grabbing his weapon.
The occupant said the suspects then drove away in a Durango.
Deputies found four bullet holes in the bedroom window and about two bullet holes on the outside of the home near the window.
They also found two bullet holes in the rear window of a black Dodge Charger.
Investigators recovered two shell casings in the roadway in front of the home, along with a bookbag.
Anyone who comes into contact with Bentley is asked to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Louise Franklin Sheehan Obituary Jun 26, 2026 – Platt’s Funeral Home
Enjoy me while I’m here but when I’m gone don’t make a fuss! Just have a party and celebrate. And don’t say all that stuff about me in the newspaper! Everyone doesn’t need to know everything I’ve done and been! Say what’s most important to me. And she elaborated…
Louise Franklin Sheehan, 87, passed away peacefully at home on June 26. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Wilcox Sheehan. Her parents Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Franklin. Her sister Patricia Green. Her brother Peter Franklin.
Louise, in her words, was a devoted and loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother to her children and was happy to be the same and WAS through the years to many other children who wanted and/or needed the same. Her family was unquestionably her life. She was a dear friend to many. She never met a stranger. She helped many strangers in need, some who would become dear friends.
Louise is survived by her children Marie King (Sam), Patricia Beck (John), John Sheehan, Franklin Sheehan. Her grandchildren Aurelia Beck, Katie Schantz (Evan), Mary Darby Garren, Sadie Beck, Georgia Beck (Barry Sonders), Jack Beck (Anna Mae). Great grandchildren Magnolia Beck, Theodore Beck, Otis Beck and Maya Schantz. Also survived by her close in laws, sister in law Beth Sheehan and her brother in law and sister in law Joe and Nancy Sheehan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We would like to give the utmost thanks and love to her long term devoted care givers who have become family: Nichole Lane, Latonja Williams and Faina Blackwood. And to Tameka Blackwood who came as needed. Truly our angels on earth.
Louise, a life long devoted Saint Mary’s on the Hill parishioner, had a passion and long term devotion to supporting numerous Catholic Children missions. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the children’s charity of your choice in her honor if you desire.
A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
Louise was most known for her kindness. In her honor, go extra on kindness today and always to family, friends and strangers.
Arrangements are being provided by Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 733-3636. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.
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