VALDOSTA — One man was arrested and only minor injuries were reported after a seven car pile-up Thursday near the Smok’n Pig.

William B. Wood, 36, is charged with driving under the influence and misdemeanor possession of marijuana, Georgia State Patrol Senior Trooper J.W. Kinsey said.

Kinsey said the pile-up happened when a white Ford F-150 pick-up truck failed to stop at a red light at about 11:15 a.m at the intersection of North Valdosta Road and Old Highway 41. The truck crashed into multiple vehicles that were stopped at the light.

He said the truck bounced from vehicle to vehicle like a bowling ball until it finally came to rest partly on top of another car. The truck was traveling about 50 to 55 miles per hour at the time of impact and showed no signs of using the brakes, Kinsey said.

He said seven vehicles in total were involved in the wreck, including a Valdosta State Prison van.

Wood suffered the worst injuries with minor cuts and bruises, Kinsey said. He was the only one involved who was taken to a hospital. He was taken to South Georgia Medical Center, according to GSP.

Kinsey said Wood will be arrested once he is released from the hospital. Wood refused to have his blood drawn for a blood test. There were also prescription drugs found in the vehicle. 

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256