Atlanta, GA, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta area witnessed several tragic car crashes over the weekend, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries. Incidents included a fatal crash involving an 18-wheeler and a critical multi-vehicle accident on I-285. Authorities are investigating these incidents, which raise serious safety concerns for drivers in the region, prompting discussions for improved road safety measures.
Atlanta Area Experiences Multiple Fatal and Critical Car Crashes Over the Weekend
The Atlanta area witnessed a series of tragic car crashes over the weekend, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries. On Friday afternoon, a woman died in a crash involving an 18-wheeler on I-85 north, while a critical three-car crash occurred early Sunday on Interstate 285.
According to South Fulton police, the first incident took place at around 1:30 p.m. Friday near Flat Shoals Road. The collision involved an 18-wheeler, which subsequently caught fire, leading to the driver’s death at the scene. While two lanes of I-85 northbound have reopened, authorities are advising drivers to seek alternate routes due to ongoing traffic disruptions.
The second incident happened early Sunday morning, shortly after 4 a.m. on the northbound side of I-285. This crash involved three vehicles: a GMC Envoy, a Dodge Avenger, and a Hyundai Kona. A 38-year-old woman from Marietta, driving the Dodge Avenger, sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently hospitalized at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. The male drivers of the GMC and Hyundai, along with a female passenger in the Hyundai, all sustained minor injuries and were also transported to the same facility. Investigators revealed that the crash occurred when the Dodge collided with the GMC, causing both vehicles to lose control and ultimately strike the Hyundai, leading to all three vehicles ending up down an embankment.
Authorities are continuing to investigate this incident and are asking for any information from the public. The weekend’s incidents added to a concerning trend of accidents in the area.
On September 1, another significant incident was reported where an alleged speeding driver crashed into a Toyota Prius at Northside Parkway NW and Mount Paran Road NW around 5:23 p.m. In this crash, a 62-year-old passenger in the Prius suffered critical injuries and later died. The driver of the Prius, along with another passenger, were also hospitalized with injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 31-year-old Buck Rollins, fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities. Rollins has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, hit and run, reckless driving, and speeding.
Compounding these tragedies, a Labor Day crash in Union City resulted in the deaths of a husband and wife, with their grandson, Jason Barnes, now surviving but in intensive care. The crash was caused by a 19-year-old making an improper left turn, colliding directly with Miriam and Ronald Tookes’ vehicle. Jason, only 15 years old, suffered facial fractures, a broken nose, and a broken jawbone; he currently does not remember the crash. The 19-year-old driver and a 16-year-old passenger sustained injuries as well. In response to the family’s situation, Jason’s mother has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and hospital expenses.
Safety Concerns and Community Response
These incidents highlight the pressing safety concerns for drivers in the Atlanta area, prompting discussions on the need for improved road safety measures and awareness. Local officials and community members are urged to take precautions when driving, particularly during peak traffic times.
Summary of Weekend Incidents
- Date: Weekend of September 1 – 3, 2023
- Fatal Accidents: Two, including a woman from an I-85 crash and another involving a husband and wife.
- Critical Injuries: One woman from a three-car crash and one passenger from a Prius incident.
- Charges Filed: Buck Rollins charged with multiple offenses in the Prius crash.
- Community Response: GoFundMe initiated for funeral and hospital expenses.
FAQ
What happened during the weekend in Atlanta?
Multiple fatal and critical car crashes occurred in the Atlanta area, including one involving an 18-wheeler and another multi-vehicle accident on I-285.
When did the first incident occur?
The first incident took place on Friday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. on I-85 north near Flat Shoals Road.
What were the details of the I-285 crash?
The crash on I-285 occurred early Sunday morning and involved a GMC Envoy, a Dodge Avenger, and a Hyundai Kona, resulting in life-threatening injuries to the driver of the Dodge.
How did the Prius incident unfold?
On September 1, an alleged speeding driver crashed into a Prius, critically injuring a passenger who later died. The driver fled but later surrendered to police and was charged.
Key Features of Weekend Incidents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Critical Injuries | 1 |
| Minor Injuries | 3 |
| Major Locations | I-85 North, I-285 |
| Charges Filed | Yes, including vehicular homicide |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Woman Dies in Car Crash on I-85
- Google Search: Car Accidents Atlanta
- WSBTV: Critically Injured After 3-Car Crash on I-285
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collisions
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Video Shows Moment Alleged Speeding Driver Slams Prius
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Accident
- 11Alive: Checking a Child Car Seat After Crash
- Google News: Car Safety Atlanta
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Fatal Car Crash on Peachtree Industrial
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
