Crash caused by distracted driving reported on I-85 in Atlanta, Georgia

Fatal Fire at Atlanta Homeless Encampment Leads to Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-85

A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday night when firefighters discovered a deceased person while responding to a fire at a homeless encampment beneath Interstate 85 in Atlanta. The incident, which occurred around 9:30 p.m., triggered a chain reaction when drivers on I-85 northbound became distracted by the blaze underneath the Northcrest Road bridge, resulting in a multiple-vehicle collision. DeKalb Police officers responded to the scene, where they found the pile-up was caused by motorists directing their attention to the fire below. DeKalb County Fire Captain Jason Daniels confirmed the discovery of a body, though the cause of death remains under investigation. While the multi-vehicle accident resulted in no major injuries, the situation prompted temporary lane closures on I-85. Captain Daniels expressed concerns about the bridge's structural integrity following the fire.

Location and Infrastructure The incident occurred at a critical junction where I-85 intersects with Northcrest Road in DeKalb County, a major thoroughfare serving Atlanta's northeastern corridor. This section of I-85 typically experiences heavy traffic flow, particularly during evening hours, as it connects Atlanta's urban core with northeastern suburbs. The Northcrest Road bridge serves as a vital crossing point and has historically provided shelter for homeless individuals in its underpass area. The location's proximity to both residential and commercial areas makes it a heavily traversed section of the interstate system.

Legal Rights and Considerations Under Georgia law, multiple parties may bear liability in complex incidents involving infrastructure damage and multiple vehicles. The Georgia Code §9-3-33 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Affected parties may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical expenses, and other losses through their auto insurance policies' collision and comprehensive coverage. In cases involving public infrastructure, governmental entities may have limited immunity, though exceptions exist under the Georgia Tort Claims Act. Additionally, victims may have rights under premises liability laws regarding property maintenance and safety obligations. An experienced Atlanta car crash lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• DeKalb County Fire Rescue: (678) 406-7730
• DeKalb County Police Department: (404) 294-2000
• Georgia DOT Bridge Maintenance: (404) 631-1990
• Atlanta Homeless Outreach: (404) 215-6600
• Georgia State Patrol Accident Reports: (404) 624-7000