A teen and an 8-year-old were killed Monday in a two-vehicle crash on I-575 in Kennesaw after the 19-year-old driver crossed the median and his minivan was struck by a commercial vehicle.
Now investigators are trying to determine what caused Mr. Abraham Fernandez-Zuniga, of Acworth, to lose control and cross the median.
The incident happened shortly before 1:50 p.m. on I-575 southbound, just north of Chastain Road, according to Cobb County police.
Mr. Fernandez-Zuniga was driving a red 2001 Chrysler Town and Country minivan northbound on I-575 at the same time a white 2007 International 7600 commercial vehicle was travelling southbound.
“For reasons unknown, the Chrysler exited the left side of the roadway, and continued in a northwesterly direction through the center median,” police spokesman Officer Mike Bowman said.
“As the Chrysler entered into the southbound lanes, it was struck in the driver’s side by the commercial truck.”
Mr. Fernandez-Zuniga and his 8-year-old passenger, whose name has not been released, died at the scene.
The driver of the 2007 International 7600 commercial vehicle, Mr. Earldean Clayton, of Rex, was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
The wreck had both lanes of I-575 southbound blocked and one northbound lane of I-575 was also temporarily closed. Traffic was being routed off the interstate, but by 5:40 p.m., all lanes were open, according to media reports.
Anyone who may have seen the Chrysler prior to it entering the grassy median is asked to call Cobb County police at (770) 499-3987.
Receive daily news stories and stay current by clicking on the subscribe button at the top of the article and get automatic updates via email each time a new article is published. You may also get quick updates on articles as well as read more local news stories at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-Public-Safety-Examiner/19583707047.
Comments