Tragedy struck the Downtown Connector in Atlanta over the Memorial Day weekend, as police are piecing together the events that led to a deadly car crash and a subsequent hit-and-run. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the fatal incident occurred early Monday on Interstate 85 near the 17th Street exit. As of now, few details have been released other than the confirmation of at least one fatality, with the driver's identity still under wraps.
Prior to the fatal crash that halted lanes on the interstate, another incident took place late Sunday night. Atlanta police have launched an extensive search for the suspect involved in the hit-and-run, as per information from Atlanta News First. They responded to the scene around 11:50 p.m. and found the driver of a Kia Optima critically injured. That driver was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries.
The hit-and-run is believed to involve a Chevrolet Suburban, which allegedly veered across the northbound split of I-75/85 and collided with the parked Optima. Following the collision, the Suburban fled the scene. The quest to track down the motorist responsible for the abandoned victim is ongoing. Interim, multiple lanes on the interstate were shut down during the early morning investigation, but traffic is once again flowing after lane reopenings on Memorial Day.
Investigators are now tasked with unraveling the chain of events between these two crashes. The public has been urged to come forward with any potential leads or information that could assist in locating the suspect. Authorities hope that with community cooperation, they will secure justice for the victims involved.
