2 People Killed On I-85 After 4-Vehicle Collision In Gwinnett Co.

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Two people have died following a four-vehicle crash that shut down traffic for several hours early Friday morning, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department.

Police said the fatal wreck happened around 2 a.m. and involved two commercial trucks and two other vehicles.

Officers shut down I-85 southbound just south of the Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road exit all the way to Old Peachtree Road.

Commuters were forced to exit the interstate and take a detour.

Lanes were still closed at 6:30 a.m. but finally reopened a short time later.

Based on the preliminary investigation, evidence at the scene, and witness statements, police said it appears the incident began when the driver of a grey 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Leah Knox, 28, of Buford, lost control of her car and made impact with a guardrail on the right side of the roadway.

Police said one of the tractor trailers struck the Mitsubishi as it reflected off the guardrail and reentered the roadway. This tractor trailer was being driven by Robert Kent, 63, of Stockbridge. The tractor trailer continued forward and struck the center median wall, police said.

The movements of the second tractor trailer are still being investigated, but police said investigators are looking in to the possibility that it made impact with the Mitsubishi and/or the other tractor trailer after their impacts.

The driver of the second tractor trailer has been identified as Raymond Samuel, 50, of Decatur.

After her release from the hospital, police said Knox was placed under arrest and transported to the Gwinnett County jail. She has been charged with homicide by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, and driving too fast for conditions.

Alcohol consumption does not appear to be a contributing factor, however, police said speed and weather conditions are being investigated.