A driver speeding the wrong way on I-20 in Atlanta was one of two people killed in a crash early Sunday, according to police.
The two were among eight killed statewide during the Independence Day holiday weekend, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
In the Atlanta crash, investigators believe a Nissan Sentra was traveling westbound on I-20 eastbound shortly after 2 a.m. when it struck a white, Hyundai Sonata head-on. The crash happened near the Hamilton E. Holmes Exit, police said.
Both drivers died at the scene of the crash, which closed the eastbound lanes for several hours. A passenger in the Hyundai was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries not believed life-threatening, police said.
The drivers killed were identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office as Cyrus L. Williams, 33, of Atlanta and Denise L. Watkins, 32, of Fairburn. Details were not publicly released on who was driving which vehicle.
It was the second deadly wrong-way crash in the Atlanta area this week. A 21-year-old man faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, after being accused of driving the wrong way on Ga. 400 early Tuesday morning and violently crashing into another vehicle, killing both people inside.
The holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. Friday, according to the DPS, and runs through Tuesday at midnight. The State Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies plan to be highly visible on Georgia’s roads during the holiday in an effort to reduce the number of crashes.
During last year’s Independence Day holiday weekend, 21 people were killed in crashes on state roads, the DPS said.
“This Fourth of July weekend is expected to set a record for the number of people traveling by vehicle to spend time with family and friends celebrating the holiday,” Col. Christopher C. Wright, DPS commissioner, said in an emailed statement. “Holiday celebrations should be safe and fun.
“To stay safe this weekend, motorists should practice safe driving habits and follow posted speed limits, use appropriate safety restraints, pay attention to road conditions, choose a designated driver or rideshare if you plan to drink, and put the phone down while driving. Pack your patience and avoid potential road rage incidents by being patient and courteous to other drivers.”
So far this weekend, DeKalb County and Union City police have investigated deadly crashes, along with the Paulding and Pike sheriff’s offices. Troopers from Athens and the Glynn County police department have also reported fatal crashes, according to the DPS.
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