Tractor-trailer strikes mule-drawn carriage carrying family; 3 dead, 3 injured

Saturday, November 11th 2006, 10:35 pm

By: News On 6

ALAPAHA, Ga. (AP) A tractor-trailer plowed into a mule-drawn covered carriage that was returning from the annual town festival Saturday, killing three people and injuring three others.

The victims, who were all related, had left the Alapaha Station Celebration and were traveling on U.S. Hwy. 82 just outside town, about 180 miles southeast of Atlanta.

Franklin Aubrey Joyce, 45, and Andrew Joyce, 5, were killed in the wreck, said Berrien County Sheriff Jerry Brogdon. John Joyce, 76, of Enigma, died later at Tift Regional Medical Center, authorities said.

Abigail Joyce, 2, and Kimberly Joyce, 24, both of Enigma, were listed in critical condition. Lynda Harnage of Tifton was treated and released.

Brogdon didn't know the exact relationships between the victims. He also didn't know if any charges would be filed against the truck driver, who was not identified.

``Everyone knew the Joyces and looked forward to seeing them and their wagon in the parade each year,'' Brogdon said.

Both mules pulling the carriage were also dead, one was killed in the crash, the other was shot after being gravely injured.