x
Breaking News
More () »

Truck erupts into flames on I-285 blocking interstate for hours

This is a developing story

ATLANTA — Fire crews worked to put out a large fire from the back of a tractor-trailer on I-285 near Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway Friday night. 

Video from Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) cameras showed heavy flames from the trailer as fire crews blocked northbound I-285.

The truck carrying the load was able to pull away but the trailer itself continued burning long after. GDOT estimated a clearing time of 1:30 a.m. However, northbound lanes were still completely blocked and the charred remains of the trailer were still on the road well after that in the pre-dawn hours.

GDOT maps, at one point, also showed eastbound congestion on I-20 where it crosses I-285.

On Saturday, police provided an update on what led up to the fire - including more details on a second vehicle that was involved. Authorities believe another vehicle was attempting to exit the interstate onto Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and then tried to re-enter the highway.  

However, police believe the driver lost control and crashed underneath the tractor-trailer before being dragged for several yards.

While police have initiated a traffic fatality investigation, the department said that it hasn't officially determined whether anyone died - or how many - due to how severely the vehicle was burned.

Before You Leave, Check This Out