Body discovered near fire that caused multi-car pileup on Georgia highway, cops say
A dead body was found after an underpass fire that caused several separate crashes on a busy Georgia interstate, police and fired officials told news outlets.
Police were called around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, about the pile-up on Interstate 85 northbound, according to the Dekalb County Police Department.
Authorities believe the collisions were caused by people looking at a fire that started off the highway, under a bridge. Firefighters were called to douse the flames and discovered a body, police said.
The victim hasn’t been publicly identified.
Authorities said the fire began at a homeless encampment underneath the bridge, WXIA and WANF reported.
McClatchy News reached out to Dekalb County police and fire rescue for more information Nov. 20 and was awaiting a response.
“As far as our investigation goes, we’re going to find out how that person died,” Dekalb County Fire Captain Jaeson Daniels told WAGA.
Police said the drivers involved in the crashes weren’t seriously injured.
A portion of the interstate was shutdown for several hours before reopening late Tuesday, police said.
Authorities didn’t release additional details but said the investigation is ongoing.