A 28-year-old Buford woman was arrested Friday and accused of causing a crash that killed two tractor-trailer drivers and shut down I-85 for more than five hours, authorities said.
The Gwinnett County wreck occurred about 1:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes between Lawrenceville-Suwanee and Old Peachtree roads, police said.
Three vehicles were involved in the crash: a passenger car and two commercial tractor-trailers, said Gwinnett police spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera.
By the time police arrived, the drivers of both trucks were dead.
Based on evidence and witness statements, police believe Leah Knox lost control of her gray Mitsubishi Eclipse before crashing into a guard rail on the right side of the interstate.
Credit: Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
After striking the rail, the car deflected back into the roadway and was struck by the first tractor-trailer, Pihera said.
The driver of the truck, 63-year-old Robert Kent of Stockbridge, then crashed into the center median wall.
“The movements of the second tractor-trailer are still being investigated,” Pihera said, “but investigators are looking into the possibility that it made impact with the Mitsubishi and/or the other tractor-trailer after their impacts.”
Credit: Gwinnett County Police
Credit: Gwinnett County Police
The driver of the second truck was identified as Raymond Samuel, 50, of Decatur.
Knox was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and later released, police said. She is charged with homicide by vehicle, failure to maintain lane and driving too fast for conditions, records show. She remains held at the Gwinnett County Jail on a $5,900 bond.
The interstate reopened just before 6:40 a.m, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
Even after traffic started moving again, there were still “pretty sizable delays” on I-85 South and I-985 South for the rest of the morning commute. Drivers crowded onto Satellite Boulevard and other surface streets to avoid the logjam.
