Three dead in two wrecks on I-285

Three people died in two separate alcohol-related wrecks on I-285 this weekend.

The first fatality occurred on I-285 Northbound at I-20 Saturday at 11:50 p.m., when authorities say a white SUV lost control, rear-ended another car, careened down an embankment and became lodged between two trees, according to Capt. Eric Jackson of the DeKalb County Fire Department. The driver of the SUV, 30-year-old Nathaniel Jones, died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Jackson said.

The name of the other vehicle’s driver has not been released.

Roughly four hours later, two people died and two were injured in a second wreck, which happened on I-285 Southbound on the ramp to I-20 East, said DeKalb County Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish.

Police believe the driver of a gold Acura was speeding on I-285 and lost control when exiting to I-20, hitting a concrete barrier before traveling down the embankment.

Thanomsy Champasouk, 33, and Somkhith Chanthakhinh, 30, died at the scene. Two back-seat passengers were taken to a local hospital with injuries, Parish said.

The names and conditions of the two back-seat passengers were not available.

Alcohol and excessive speed were factors in both accidents, Parish said.

For updates, check ajc.com.