"Jaws of Life" Used on Woman Following Thursday Accident

A Canton woman is in critical condition at a local hospital after she was involved in a three vehicle accident at the intersection of Old Highway 5 and East Cherokee Drive Thursday afternoon.

Heather E. Cocke, 30, was driving a white Mini Cooper through the intersection when she was forced to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid a pickup truck and trailer that was making a left hand turn as the traffic light changed.

Cocke's vehicle slammed head-on into a white Ford F-250 that was traveling in the opposite direction. Cocke was trapped inside her vehicle and had to be removed through use of the "jaws of life," said Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services.

According to Cherokee Medcon Operator Scott Coppola, Cocke's injuries included a left leg that was broken in two places and a fractured pelvis. She remains at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta.

The driver of the Ford, a 37-year-old man, and his two children, aged 11 and 3, were treated at the scene for minor injuries. A fourth person, driving a red Volvo that was hit by the Ford after the collision with the Mini Cooper, did not have any serious injuries.

The Georgia State Patrol is currently investigating the accident.