Truck driver accused of causing fatal I-85 crash

Gwinnett police said the driver of a tractor-trailer caused a wreck Saturday on Interstate 85 that resulted in a fatality.

Raymond L. Hatt Jr., 35, of Manton, was arrested and charged with making an unsafe lane change, failure to signal and second-degree vehicular homicide for his alleged role in the wreck that claimed the life of Hafiz M. Ilyas, 40, of Marietta.

Police officials say Ilyas’ green 1994 Toyota Camry was traveling southbound on I-85 in the far right lane when Hatt’s truck cut him off. Ilyas swerved onto the shoulder before he lost control of his car, which hit the trailer of Hatt’s truck as it reentered the roadway. The Camry became trapped under the trailer and caught fire, and Ilyas died at the scene.

All southbound lanes of I-85 near the accident were blocked for much of the day.

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Michelle E Shaw

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