Stephen Hasner | | June 5, 2024
Early this morning at around 2:30 a.m., a major collision involving an Atlanta Fire Department firetruck occurred on Interstate 85 near Buford Highway. The firetruck, while responding to an existing accident, was struck from behind by a white Mercedes. The car was driven by Alisha Teresa Gillooly, who suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash.
Following the collision, the northbound lanes of the interstate were shut down for nearly an hour, causing substantial traffic backups. The lanes were later reopened, alleviating the congestion and restoring the flow of traffic through the area. During the incident, no firefighters were injured; they had been engaged in their critical duties at the time of impact.
Gillooly, the driver of the Mercedes, was subsequently charged with multiple traffic violations. Her charges included driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, failing to obey Georgia’s Move Over Law, and operating a vehicle while her license was suspended. The charges highlight the ongoing issues of impaired driving and its implications for road safety, particularly concerning the safety of emergency response teams on duty.
The Atlanta Fire Department’s Truck No. 29, the vehicle involved in the accident, was on the scene to provide necessary aid and ensure the safety of those involved in the original incident. Despite their vehicle being damaged in the collision, the firefighters inside were unhurt and continued to handle the emergency situation.
Source: Hoodline