Trucker almost hit by plane on I-285 speaks; EB and WB I-285 reopened to traffic

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Updated May 11, 2015
Plane crash on 285

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.

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.

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.

More from local media on the accident: