March 1, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
Two men were airlifted after a crash at Liberty Wednesday morning.
According to Trooper Brent Collier of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 62-year-old Gregory Drake was north on Highway 53 in a 2011 Ford Econoline 350 when he pulled onto Highway 70 and into the path of an eastbound 2008 Dodge Charger driven by 20-year-old Jordan Bailiff. Upon impact both vehicles traveled a short distance north before coming to final rest off the left side of the roadway.
Members of the DeKalb County Fire Department and Rescue Team were summoned to provide extrication services on the Drake vehicle. Chief Donny Green said the Econoline had to be stabilized because it was almost on its side and the driver’s side door had to be removed to gain access to Drake.
Both Drake and Bailiff were injured and taken by DeKalb EMS to landing zones set up on the campus of DeKalb West School where they were airlifted by helicopter ambulances.