One person was hurt in a single-vehicle rollover in Cedar Bluff just before 5:00 Wednesday afternoon.

That mishap occurred at the intersection of Highway 9 and Cherokee Drive, with the driver being air-lifted for treatment following that accident. The Cherokee County Rescue Squad used the Jaws of Life to cut the driver from the pickup truck; he was then taken to a landing zone set up at Cedar Bluff High School, and from there, was flown to Kennesaw Hospital for treatment.

On Thursday morning, WEIS Radio spoke with the driver, Leon Smith – who is the former Cherokee County EMA Director – and he informed us he was back at home and doing well – despite experiencing a laceration to the head and being shaken up in the accident.

Smith stated that he was traveling south on Highway 9 when he came upon a vehicle which appeared to be stopped in the road. He said that he didn’t see any lights on the rear of the vehicle and was almost to the point of hitting it – when he chose to veer sharply to the right and avoid a collision which could have injured the occupants of the other car.

When his pickup hit the ditch it rolled at least twice – before coming to rest upside down by the side of the road.

Smith said he wanted to thank all the first responders and medical personnel who provided him with such excellent care.

Those responding to the scene included Cedar Bluff Police and Firefighters, Cherokee EMS, the Cherokee County Rescue Squad and Alabama State Troopers.