Several drivers were injured Wednesday afternoon when a car struck a ladder in the middle of I-85, causing a chain-reaction crash that shut down all northbound lanes for hours.
The wreck occurred shortly after 3 p.m. just past Beaver Ruin Road. It involved six vehicles, including two tractor-trailers, three cars and an SUV, the Georgia State Patrol said.
According to Gwinnett County police, a driver lost control after striking the ladder and swerved in front of the other vehicles. Those drivers were able to stop, but got rear-ended by people behind them, Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Collin Flynn said Thursday.
The driver of a Toyota Camry was taken to the hospital in critical condition, authorities said. The drivers of the tractor-trailers were unharmed, but several other people were taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries, according to the GSP.
The wreck caused heavy delays for nearly three hours as all traffic was redirected off the interstate.
The crash remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call Gwinnett police at 770-513-5300. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a cash reward by contacting Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
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