Atlanta’s Wreak Havoc on I-75/85: Wrong-Way Driver Charged

News Summary

A 20-year-old driver, Addison Thornton, has been charged following a wrong-way crash on Interstate 75/85 in Atlanta, resulting in several injuries and major traffic disruptions. The incident occurred early Friday morning, causing significant chaos and leading to multiple charges against Thornton, including DUI and serious injury by motor vehicle. Traffic was rerouted for hours as cleanup crews worked on the scene.

Atlanta’s Wreak Havoc on I-75/85: Wrong-Way Driver Charged

In a shocking turn of events early one Friday morning, Atlanta found itself in the grip of chaos as a 20-year-old driver, Addison Thornton, was charged following a destructive wrong-way crash on Interstate 75/85 near the North Avenue exit. The incident, which took place around 3:20 a.m., has left several individuals injured and caused major traffic disruption on one of the city’s busiest roadways.

The Night of the Incident

As the sun had yet to rise, a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper noticed a 2012 black Mercedes-Benz making its way north in the southbound HOV lane—definitely not a good sign. The trooper’s swift reaction was futile as Thornton had already crashed into a 2018 Buick Encore by the time they attempted to pull the vehicle over.

Aftermath and Injuries

Chaos ensued on the interstate as Thornton’s actions led to a serious collision. A 17-year-old passenger in the Mercedes was promptly rushed to the hospital with severe injuries—a reminder of how quickly things can take a devastating turn. Meanwhile, the driver of the Buick Encore, a 30-year-old from Kennesaw, along with a 28-year-old passenger, were also transported to Grady Memorial Hospital but with non-life-threatening injuries, thankfully. The severity of the crash required a GSP Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team to investigate, ensuring all details were accounted for.

The Charges Are Piling Up

Addison Thornton now faces a daunting list of charges for his reckless behavior. The charges include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving on the wrong side of the roadway
• Possession of a fraudulent driver’s license
• Serious injury by motor vehicle
• Underage consumption of alcohol

It’s reported that Thornton not only failed a DUI test but was also caught in possession of a fake driver’s license, painting a broader picture of his reckless disregard for the law.

Traffic Disruption

The aftermath of the crash forced authorities to close all southbound lanes of I-75/85 between exits 250 and 249D. This decision led to significant traffic rerouting through the entrance ramp from 10th Street, resulting in overwhelming gridlock and headaches for early morning commuters. Drivers spent hours stuck in standstill traffic, desperately hoping for a reprieve that wouldn’t arrive until just before 7 a.m..

Cleanup and Recovery

Crews worked diligently, armed with large brushes to clear debris scattered across the roadway. Photos from the scene showed one of the involved vehicles, the Mercedes, lying on its side against the median—a testament to the startling force of the crash. Despite the chaotic scene, the interstate was finally reopened, bringing some relief to motorists longing to get on with their day.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stern reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving and the crucial importance of road safety. As investigations continue, the community reflects on the unfortunate consequences of a single night of reckless decisions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Major Traffic Chaos in Atlanta Following Wrong-Way Crash

Additional Resources

• WSB TV
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Atlanta News First
• 11Alive
• Patch
• Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
• Google Search: Wrong-Way Driver Safety
• Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Measures
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
• Google News: Atlanta Traffic Accidents