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
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.
