5 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

In a devastating incident that unfolded just before 4 a.m. on Monday morning, a catastrophic three-car collision on Highway 316 near Atlanta has resulted in the loss of five lives and left three others fighting for their recovery. Gwinnett County officials have confirmed the grim outcome of the accident. According to preliminary reports from law enforcement, the collision occurred when a vehicle veered off a raised ramp, hurtling over the wall and descending onto the collector-distributor lanes that interlink I-85 to Pleasant Hill Road. The force of the impact entangled a total of three cars in the wreckage, compounding the severity of the incident.

We took this video from 11Alive YouTube Channel.

Corporal Christian D'allaird of the Gwinnett County Police Department conceded that detailed information regarding the circumstances leading to the collision remains scarce, stating, "As far as the circumstances on how each vehicle came into involvement in the collision, I don't have any details." The identities and ages of the deceased victims have not yet been publicly released, while the three injured individuals were promptly transported to a local hospital under the care of Gwinnett County police.

In the aftermath of the devastating crash, authorities swiftly took action to ensure public safety. The West ramp from Highway 316 to I-85 South was closed for several hours, diverting drivers to Lawrenceville Highway as investigators meticulously combed through the scene for crucial evidence and insights. Supporting the investigation, the Georgia Department of Transportation HERO units, Gwinnett County Fire personnel, and Willard Wrecker Service have joined forces to shed light on the chain of events that led to this tragedy.

However, this heart-wrenching incident is not an isolated occurrence but part of a distressing trend. Over the holiday weekend, the Georgia Department of Public Safety has reported a total of 17 traffic-related fatalities, further underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and increased vigilance on the roads.

As the community grapples with the profound grief caused by the loss of five lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured, it serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the imperative for individuals to prioritize road safety. The authorities, in collaboration with the community, are committed to unraveling the sequence of events that contributed to this devastating collision, in the hopes of preventing similar accidents from ravaging the lives and well-being of others in the future.