A midday Tuesday wreck off U.S. 27 North injured two men, one of whom was taken to Memorial Hospital by ambulance.

The accident happened at about 12:30 p.m. on U.S. 27 North near its intersection with Brinson Airbase Road.

One of the drivers, who was in a white GMC Sierra, told emergency responders he had been driving in the highway’s southbound lanes when the other driver, in a brown Ford Ranger, had pulled out in front of him, causing a collision.

The Ford Ranger overturned, temporarily trapping its occupant, who was treated at the scene by EMS and later taken to the hospital. The Ranger’s right rear wheel came off its axle completely in the crash. Its plastic pickup bed liner was thrown loose and car parts lined the highway median and pavement. Its windshield was completely smashed in.

The GMC truck had significant damage to its front end; however, its driver had only slight injuries.

State troopers from the Georgia State Patrol’s Colquitt Post responded to the accident; however, no further details were available Tuesday afternoon.

Nurse arrested on drug charge

A Memorial Hospital employee has been charged with obtaining a prescription painkiller unlawfully, according to Bainbridge Public Safety.

Marjorie D. Smith, 57, of Mitchell County, was arrested Monday afternoon and charged with acquiring controlled substance by fraud, according to the Decatur County Jail.

Smith, who is the obstetrics nurse manager at Memorial Hospital, BPS Investigator Mark Esquivel said. He said there was no indication Smith intended to sell the oxycodone; however, each count is still a potential felony offense.

Oxycodone, known by its trade name of OxyContin, is a powerful narcotic controlled substance used for moderate to severe pain, according to Multum, a provider of prescription drug information.

Under Georgia law, prescription drugs can only be issued through a valid order. Orders for drugs on the list of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s Schedule II controlled substances—as oxycodone is—have to be signed in ink by doctors, the law states.

Home destroyed in fire

A Decatur County home was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning. According to Fire and Rescue Chief Charlie McCann, the fire consumed a doublewide trailer at 118 Burns Road.

The home was unoccupied at the time the fire was reported, at around 10:30 a.m., and there was no immediate indication of how it began, Chief McCann said. A woman who lives at the home told firefighters she had left for work at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Along with Fire and Rescue, firefighters from the Blackjack and Climax volunteer fire departments also responded, as did the Sheriff’s Office.

Tips to avoid car break-ins

BPS investigators say there are several ways people can avoid having their cars broken into and their property stolen, which happens several times a week in Decatur County.

Investigator Mark Esquivel reminded drivers to lock their car’s doors and remove all valuable items from inside. He said they shouldn’t leave GPS devices, cell phones or similar electronic devices in their vehicle.

Police also advise parking in a well-lit area, if possible, and placing shopping purchases in a locked trunk or compartment.