A motorist was killed early Saturday in Austell when his truck caught fire after striking a tree, Cobb County police said.
The incident happened on South Gordon Road at Old Alabama Road, police spokesman Dana Pierce said.
About 4:15 a.m., the 2011 Dodge Ram was headed northbound on South Gordon Road when the driver failed to maintain his lane after going through the intersection, Pierce said.
After leaving the western edge of the road, the truck kept going north, and it went through the parking lot at 1956 Old Alabama Road, Pierce said. The truck hit the tree then.
The driver, who was not identified, was pronounced dead at the scene, Pierce said. The Cobb Medical Examiner’s office and police are working to identify the victim.
Investigators think speed and alcohol were contributing factors, Pierce said.
Anyone with information can call police at 770-499-3987.
