Traffic on Interstate 85 was forced to a slow crawl Friday evening when a car on the side of the road erupted in flames.
Smoke billowed from the hood of the car, as it sat on the shoulder of Interstate 85 southbound in DeKalb County, just before the Georgia 400 split.
The driver was able to escape the vehicle safely.
Firefighters arrived on the scene a short while later and fought to bring the blaze under control.
As a result of the fire, traffic was backed up on Interstate 85 to the Clairmont Road exit.
Mike Gallagher
Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.