GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Multiple lanes are still blocked on Interstate 85 South in Gwinnett County after a serious crash involving two tractor-trailers resulted in a fire.
It occurred near mile marker 123, just before Hamilton Mill Road, about 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. 11Alive SkyTracker over the scene showed crews working to clean up the debris; the Interstate barrier appeared to be significantly damaged as a result of the fire.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, two commercial vehicles crashed, causing one of them to catch on fire. Authorities said one of the loaded semi-trucks left the road and went onto the right shoulder, hitting the guardrail and retainer wall and causing the cab to quickly catch fire with the driver inside. An off-duty Gwinnett police officer was driving by and witnessed the crash and swiftly stopped to help remove the driver.
Police say there were injuries in the crash, but there is no word on the condition of either driver.
Video shared with 11Alive showed the intense smoke coming from the wreck as firefighters worked to battle flames.
Officials initially said the interstate would be closed for an indefinite amount of time while crews work to clean up the accident, but just around 12:45 p.m., it appeared that one lane of traffic was allowed to reopen. However, cleanup and lane closures were still ongoing past 5:30 p.m.
Drivers can expect significant delays; traffic information from the Georgia Department of Transportation showed backups stretching past Braselton.
Photos: Aftermath of fiery crash on I-85 in Gwinnett
How to get around
11Alive's Traffic Expert Crash Clark suggested drivers look into using Hwy 124 between Hwy 211 and Chateau Elan as the best alternate route, but be warned that backups were growing there, as well. I-985 is also a good route, but that, too, was backed up. Check 11Alive.com/traffic for real-time traffic information and possible detours.
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