A man walking on the Downtown Connector early Wednesday morning was fatally struck by two vehicles, police said.
The crash was reported around 5:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the interstate, just south of University Avenue and north of Langford Parkway, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. A 32-year-old man was found and pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said he was walking in the southbound HOV lane and was struck by a Ford Explorer. The impact caused the pedestrian to be pushed over the median wall and into the northbound HOV lane. He was then struck by a motorbus, police added.
The drivers of the Ford and the bus remained at the scene.
“At this time, it is unknown why the male was on the interstate,” officials said.
GRIDLOCK ALERT Atlanta: Crash investigation continues on I-75/85/nb before University Ave (Exit 244). Only a few right lanes open. 2 left lanes blocked southbound. Use Metropolitan Pkwy, Moreland Ave or I-285. #ATLtraffic pic.twitter.com/siCYtiyMyH
— Triple Team Traffic (@WSBTraffic) January 24, 2024
The crash caused the northbound and some southbound lanes to close until about 9:30 a.m. as police investigated. But before then, a few vehicles were able to get through the blockade to make room for emergency vehicles, WSB traffic reporter Mike Shields said.
Those drivers may have then encountered another backup on the northbound Connector just past 17th Street in Midtown. A collision on the I-85 side, just after the interstate splits, blocked lanes around 7 a.m., according to GDOT. Atlanta police said that incident involved one of their officers who crashed with a Nissan Altima.
For anyone they let by that crash investigation I-75/85/nb University, they may now get stuck in this in Midtown. #ATLtraffic https://t.co/QmRpmYLTRz
— Ashley Frasca (@AshleyFrascaWSB) January 24, 2024
The driver of the Altima was injured, but the status of their condition was not shared by police. The officer was not hurt. That scene was cleared by 9 a.m.
Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Eboni Deon cautioned drivers to use extra care during the morning commute, as widespread fog had visibility down to about a half-mile.
“You will need to take it easy,” she said. “It can be clear where you’re starting off, and then those visibilities could drop quickly, so be mindful of that.”
Fog has reduced visibilities down to below a mile throughout Midtown and Downtown #Atlanta. Slow down, and travel carefully! #ATLwx #GAwx #ATL @AshleyFrascaWSB @AlexWilliamsWSB @mckayWSB https://t.co/396mxdjef8 pic.twitter.com/b4A4vnAkzj
— Christina Edwards (@ChristinaWSBwx) January 24, 2024
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