Tragedy Strikes as Vehicle Plummets from Overpass on Labor Day
In a heartbreaking incident on Labor Day near Atlanta, five teenagers lost their lives, and three others were left injured when a vehicle fell from an elevated ramp onto Interstate 85. The early morning accident sent shockwaves through the community.
Just before 4 a.m. on Monday, a distressing 911 call reached the police, alerting them to a vehicle that had gone “over the wall of the raised ramp.” The incident unfolded near Pleasant Hill Rd in Duluth, Georgia, as revealed in a press release from Gwinnett County officials.
Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders discovered five young lives tragically cut short. Additionally, three individuals sustained injuries and were swiftly transported to local hospitals for medical attention.
The victims have been identified as 17-year-old Katy Gaitan, 16-year-old Ashley Gaitan, 17-year-old Coral Lorenzo, 18-year-old Hung Nguyen, and 19-year-old Abner Santana. Three of them were students at Lakeside High School in DeKalb County.
Preliminary investigations suggest that two vehicles collided, leading to one of them hurtling over the ramp’s wall and onto the interstate below. Tragically, another vehicle struck the fallen one shortly after, compounding the severity of the incident.
In the aftermath of the crash, traffic in the area was severely impacted. Portions of the interstate, including the SR 316 WB ramps to I85 SB and Pleasant Hill Rd, as well as the I85 SB Collector Distributor to Pleasant Hill Rd, remained closed.
Law enforcement agencies are diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the initial collision. They urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing inquiry. Witnesses can contact the Gwinnett County Police Department at [email protected] or call 678-442-5653.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance while driving. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families affected by this devastating accident.