UPDATE: Cobb police ID man killed in I-75 crash that snarled morning commute

One man was killed in a multivehicle wreck Wednesday morning on I-75 near South Marietta Parkway.

Credit: Georgia Department of Transportation

Credit: Georgia Department of Transportation

One man was killed in a multivehicle wreck Wednesday morning on I-75 near South Marietta Parkway.

A man was killed in a multivehicle crash that scattered debris across I-75 and caused major delays through Cobb County during Wednesday’s morning commute.

The driver of a white Toyota Scion died at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital after he crashed into the back of a Ford F-150 in the northbound lanes between Delk Road and South Marietta Parkway, Cobb police said. The deadly crash was reported about 5:20 a.m., and authorities did not clear the scene until three hours later.

According to a police spokesman, the pickup had just come to a stop after rear-ending a cargo van with a flat tire.

“Per investigators, a green 2010 Chevrolet Express van was northbound on I-75 in the left lane when a tire went flat,” Sgt. Wayne Delk said in a news release. “As the van slowed and changed lanes to the right it was rear ended by a white 2008 Ford F-150.”

The Toyota crashed into the Ford in a center lane before it came to a stop in a far right lane, he said. The Toyota’s driver was later identified as Willis L. Callwood, 37, of Woodstock.

The Ford’s driver, a 56-year-old man from Cumming, was also taken to Kennestone but is expected to survive his injuries.

“The driver of the Chevrolet left the scene on foot prior to the arrival of first responders and has not been located,” Delk said. “Four other adult male occupants of the Chevrolet were transported to Kennestone for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.”

All northbound lanes of I-75 were shut down for a time while authorities were on the scene. The lanes did not completely reopen until 8:45 a.m., leaving behind “extreme delays” for the rest of the morning rush.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Cobb’s traffic unit at 770-499-3987.