UPDATE: 3:25 p.m. CDT
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that, following the noon CDT reopening of I-285 Westbound at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Dekalb County Northeast of downtown Atlanta, the Eastbound side had finally reopened.
Local news had the following report with a remarkable interview of trucker Gerald Smith, whose rig was very nearly hit by the aircraft as it plummeted. In the interview, Smith tells his story and expresses condolences for the four people who lost their lives in the crash.
Not even a plane crash can phase a professional #trucker. Check out this incredible news report from Atlanta. https://t.co/uNYZ1zTqzT
— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) May 8, 2015
UPDATE: 11:50 a.m. CDT:
Reports suggest crews were very close to opening WB lanes of I-285 that had been shut down. EB lanes, where the accident occurred, remained closed. For more, read the original story below.
DeKalb Co.: Crews about to open up lanes I-285/wb https://t.co/SK5x3aquDW #ATLtraffic
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) May 8, 2015
Original story:
A small airplane crashed on the northeast quadrant of I-285 at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard near Atlanta Friday morning.
As WSB-TV reported, authorities have confirmed four fatalities. The FAA has told local news media the plane was a Piper PA-32 aircraft that went down after departing from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.
Traffic has been shut down in both directions, and the Georgia Department of Transportation reported access ramps to I-285 on the east side of the city from I-85 NB and SB were shut down. The crash occurred on the eastbound side of the highway, and traffic on the west side is being diverted onto side roads, according to WSB-TV.
Reports say tractor-trailers will be permitted to use major interstate routes through the city for the duration of the shutdown.
Due to the major accident on I-285 at Peachtree Industrial Blvd, tractor trailers are permitted to travel through the city using I-75/85….
— GeorgiaNaviGAtor511 (@NaviGAtor511) May 8, 2015
More from local media on the accident:
The following traffic plan has been implemented to relieve the traffic on I-285 at the site of the plane crash —> pic.twitter.com/cy6mdhqWAo
— Georgia DOT (@GADeptofTrans) May 8, 2015
DeKalb Co.: Plane Crash On I-285 at PIB shutdown both direction @McKayWSB on scene https://t.co/fa1Ujp86YO pic.twitter.com/I7giIcQoHC
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) May 8, 2015
#BREAKING – Sources tell Channel 2's @MarkArum that I-285 could be closed for up to 8 hours.
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) May 8, 2015
Plane crashes at I-285 at Peachtree Industrial. https://t.co/fEySBh2AbM pic.twitter.com/6CmLlxBWEX
— AJC (@ajc) May 8, 2015
Please avoid I-285 on the top end — traffic is shut down in both directions due to this plane crash. pic.twitter.com/vBq60ro3HS
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) May 8, 2015
Fire, I-285 West at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard (Mile 31), ALL LANES BLOCKED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. #DeKalbCounty pic.twitter.com/DENowHWoKK
— GeorgiaNaviGAtor511 (@NaviGAtor511) May 8, 2015
