A pedestrian was hit and killed in a crash that shut down all westbound lanes of I-20 in Carroll County for more than two hours Tuesday morning.

A man walking in a right lane was struck just before 6 a.m. by a Nissan Versa as the car was merging onto the interstate from the Ga. 61 entrance ramp, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The impact catapulted the pedestrian into the center lane.

“From observing the condition of the pedestrian’s body and according to statements given by (the Nissan’s driver), it is very likely that the pedestrian was struck by a number of unknown vehicles traveling westbound as well,” spokeswoman Tracey Watson said in a statement. “However, no other vehicles stopped or returned to the scene.”

The interstate was closed while troopers investigated, causing miles of backups through Villa Rica, the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center reported. All lanes were reopened just before 9 a.m.

ajc.com
icon to expand image

While the pedestrian has not been identified by authorities, Watson said troopers have confirmed he was not the Georgia inmate who allegedly walked away from work detail Monday morning. There is no indication the pedestrian killed on the interstate is related to the search for Tommy Shane Morton, who remains at large Tuesday afternoon.

MORE: Manhunt continues for escaped Georgia inmate; reward offered

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

In other news:

They told Channel 2?€™s Alyssa Hyman that their biggest concern was their 2-year-old who plays outside all of the time.

About the Author

Featured

8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres