Crime & Safety

Tractor-Trailers Crash, Block Traffic on I-85

The accident happened on I-85 southbound near mile marker 124, north of the Hamilton Mill exit.

UPDATED at 2:55 p.m.

Interstate 85 in northern Gwinnett County was shut down for several hours Tuesday, Nov. 26, as emergency personnel worked to clear an accident involving two tractor-trailers.

The accident occurred on I-85 southbound, near mile marker 124, approximately four miles north of the Hamilton Mill exit.

According to officials, the tractor-trailers collided and one caught fire.

"On scene firefighters found a tractor pulling a trailer with electronic equipment with the cab area on fire and spreading to the trailer portion," said Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services public information officer Lt. Colin Rhoden in a media release.  

Due to heavy flames, crews at the scene called for the Gwinnett County Fire Department water tender. The water tender carries 3,000 gallons of water in its tank.

"Firefighters used  fire attack hose lines to battle back the fire in order to protect exposures and personnel. Crews were concerned with the safety of responders and had the Interstate shut down during the incident," Rhoden added. 

The initial report from fire officials indicated both vehicles had caught fire. At 2:51 p.m., Rhoden released an updated statement: "Two tractor trailers were involved in the accident. Only the tractor trailer carrying the electronic equipment was on fire. The other trailer was severely damaged during the accident with the other truck."

One of the tractor-trailer drivers sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The other was treated and released at the scene.

As of 1 p.m., according to Rhoden, crews were being released from the scene.

The Georgia Department of Transportation lists an expected all-clear time of 5 p.m. for the incident.

At 2:08 p.m., WSB Traffic reported there were lengthy delays and commuters on southbound I-85 were still being detoured. 



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