Huge fire causes highway collapse & traffic mayhem in Atlanta (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
A massive blaze underneath Interstate-85 in Atlanta, Georgia, has engulfed and destroyed a portion of the highway and left cars stuck both north and southbound.
I-85 northbound collapsed at Piedmont Road after less than an hour of the flames being reported.
After the collapse, around 7:30pm EST, Sgt. Cortez Stafford of the Atlanta Fire Department told Fox 5 Atlanta the fire was being "contained" and that no firefighters were injured.
A portion of I85 highway in Atlanta collapsed under the fire, police close off all lanes https://t.co/ga9RKeTmJOpic.twitter.com/id7d1KomK5
— RT America (@RT_America) March 30, 2017
Stafford did not confirm the source of the fire, but previously Fox 5 Atlanta had reported plastic conduit, which protects electrical wiring, was suspected to have fueled the inferno.
The highway collapse did not result in any casualties or injuries, according to Governor of Georgia Nathan Deal, who said it is going to take “some time to get it repaired and back into service.”
INSANE fire underneath overpass I-85 near Piedmont Road. Traffic going to be insane. No word on whether anyone is hurt #Atlantapic.twitter.com/MOhty7sTTi
— Christina Sursky (@chrisursk) March 30, 2017
The governor commended first responders who quickly took the incident under control and urged locals to stay away from the area as authorities are devising alternative transportations routes.
Holy Moley I85 in Atlanta is on fire pic.twitter.com/MuaUxqNVRG
— Winner 🇺🇸Smidge (@smidgean) March 30, 2017
Stay away from 85 and Piedmont, Atlanta friends! Huge fire. 85S - all lanes blocked. 85N - driving through pitch black smoke. pic.twitter.com/t1D6rnd2J2
— Rachel Kitchens (@racheldkitchens) March 30, 2017
Vehicle is on fire and I85 is completely shut down #Atlanta#ATLpic.twitter.com/vXYo2C1zUI
— Sandrine I.M (@drine333) March 30, 2017
Driving right next to the Atlanta fire right before the roads closed. #atlfire#besafepic.twitter.com/ihimRbofpM
— RuhhhhBecca (@beccaaapollack) March 30, 2017