March 30, 2017 Interstate 85 bridge collapse Bridge was not destroyed by terrorists but homeless malicious vandals. day after the bridge collapse police arrested a homeless man, Basil Eleby. They said he set fire to a chair, which ignited the materials under the interstate. Eleby was charged with first-degree arson and criminal damage to property. In December, a judge agreed to let Eleby avoid prosecution if he completed an 18-month remain in a drug treatment program and stay out of jail.
Alternative theory: could a nation state recruit homeless people to destroy a bridge with a fire?
Interstate 85 bridge collapse - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_85_bridge_collapse
Repair work being done at the collapse site on April 9
| |
| Date | March 30, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Time | c. 6:15 p.m. EDT |
| Location |  I‑85 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Coordinates | 33.8136°N 84.3663°W |
| Type | Bridge collapse |
| Cause | Arson (suspected)[1] |
| Outcome | Under investigation |
| Property damage | Three sections of northbound I-85 and three sections of southbound I-85 were replaced |
A bridge collapsed on Interstate 85 (I-85) in Atlanta, Georgia, after a massive fire on the evening of March 30, 2017. After the collapse of the 100-foot-long (30 m) section, I-85 was closed to traffic over approximately two miles (3.2 km) between its split with I-75 and the interchange with State Route 400 (SR 400). Three sections of northbound I-85 and three sections of southbound I-85 were replaced by May 13, 2017.
Three individuals were arrested for starting the blaze, which was described by a spokesman for the Atlanta Fire Department as having been "maliciously set". 3 Charged in 'Maliciously Set' Atlanta Highway Fire May Have Been Smoking Crack".
Contents
[hide]Events[edit]
On March 30, 2017, a massive fire underneath a freeway viaduct, I-85 in Atlanta, Georgia, resulted in the collapse of a portion of the viaduct, stranding motorists for miles during rush hour traffic. The fire was allegedly "maliciously set" by a group of three individuals.[2] The area of the collapse was along SR 237 (Piedmont Road) in the Piedmont Heightsneighborhood north of Midtown Atlanta. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed described the situation as a "transportation crisis" that could take days or weeks to resolve, and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency.[3]
The fire started at approximately 6:15 p.m. in a state-owned storage area under the highway bridge which contained high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes.[4] The heat from the fire caused the collapse of a 100-foot (30 m) section of I-85 northbound at about 7:00 p.m.[3] Fire crews had the blaze under control by about 8:00 p.m.[5]
Immediate aftermath[edit]
The highway was closed for an extended period of time in the area.[5] No injuries were reported in the incident, and officials were credited with preventing casualties by stopping traffic and turning away onlookers.[2] Terrorism or foul play was not immediately suspected.[3] It was thought that other sections of the bridge may have been compromised from the heat of the fire.[6] Inspections of the bridge prior to the fire reveal that the deck and superstructure were in good condition. Traffic data shows that both directions of a nearby point in the highway carried nearly a quarter million vehicles a day in 2015.[7]
The closure of the highway put extra strain on surface roads and nearby highways until it was reopened.[3] The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced an extension of service in response to the incident.[3] MARTA general manager Keith Parker reported ridership spiked by 25% the day following the collapse.[8] The southbound side of the bridge, which did not collapse, also had to be replaced. Three full sections of the bridge were removed, totalling 350 feet (110 m).[4][9] The incident had a devastating effect on many area businesses, one of which reported a 90% decrease in traffic, seeing only three to four customers for the remainder of the day of the fire and the day following.[10]
Two weeks after the bridge collapse, President Donald Trump met with the first responders from the incident, commending them for preventing casualties following the bridge collapse. Trump agreed to send $10 million dollars to the state of Georgia to assist in repairs and cleanup efforts.[11]
Arrests and prosecutions[edit]
On March 31, officials arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the incident. Basil Eleby was charged with criminal trespassing and first-degree criminal damage to property for setting the fire, and two others were charged with criminal trespassing for being present when the fire was set.[12] All three were believed to be homeless, though it was unclear whether they lived underneath the highway. The three were interrogated and taken to Fulton County jail, with the possibility of additional or upgraded charges as more evidence is developed.[1] The charges against Eleby were later upgraded to first-degree arson, with his bail set at $200,000. An arrest affidavit indicated the three suspects went under the bridge to smoke crack. Eleby denied setting the fire, but one of the other suspects arrested said he watched Eleby put a chair on top of a shopping cart near some fiber optic wire, stored in PVC pipes under the bridge, and set the chair on fire.[2] Eleby appeared in court on August 14, 2017.[13]
Repairs and detours[edit]
GDOT officials announced on April 4, 2017, that repairs could be completed by mid-June 2017.[14] Traffic was diverted to I-285, I-75 and SR 400.[15] In an effort to speed completion, up to $3 million in incentive payments were authorized for the contractor, which completed work by May 12, when the northbound lanes of the bridge reopened.[16] In August 2017, a fence was built around the underpass near where the bridge collapsed.[17]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Jump up to:a b Judd, Alan (March 31, 2017). "Breaking: 3 in Custody in Connection with I-85 Fire, Bridge Collapse". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on April 1, 2017. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
- ^ Jump up to:a b c Wootson, Cleve R., Jr. (April 1, 2017). "3 Charged in 'Maliciously Set' Atlanta Highway Fire May Have Been Smoking Crack". The Washington Post. Archivedfrom the original on April 2, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
- ^ Jump up to:a b c d e Johnson, Alex (March 30, 2017). "Bridge Collapses in Atlanta Freeway Fire During Rush Hour". NBC News. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
- ^ Jump up to:a b Hanna, Jason; Karimi, Faith; Almasy, Steve (April 1, 2017). "I-85 Collapse: Three Arrested After Major Fire Under Atlanta Highway". CNN. Archived from the original on April 1, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
- ^ Jump up to:a b Buchanan, Christopher (March 30, 2017). "Portion of I-85 Collapses in Massive Fire". Atlanta, GA: WXIA-TV. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
- Jump up^ Eldridge, Ellen; Habersham, Raisa (March 31, 2017). "I-85 Collapses After Massive Fire: 'The Entire Bridge Is Compromised'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved March 31,2017.
- Jump up^ Peebles, Jennifer (March 31, 2017). "Last Inspection on I-85 Bridge that Collapsed Given Good Marks". Atlanta, GA: WSB-TV. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
- Jump up^ Belcher, Richard (April 3, 2017). "MARTA Faces New Trial with I-85 Bridge Collapse". Atlanta, GA: WSB-TV. Archived from the original on April 8, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
- Jump up^ "Bridge Collapse: GDOT Says It Will Take 'Several Months' to Rebuild I-85". Atlanta, GA: WSB-TV. March 31, 2017. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
- Jump up^ Carr, Nicole (April 1, 2017). "Business Owners Concerned About 'Devastating' Impact of I-85 Collapse". Atlanta, GA: WSB-TV. Archived from the original on April 2, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
- Jump up^ Hallerman, Tamar (April 13, 2017). "Trump Meets with First Responders from Atlanta's I-85 Bridge Collapse". Political Insider. The Atlanta Journal-Constition. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
- Jump up^ Winne, Mark (March 31, 2017). "Bridge Collapse: 3 Charged in Connection with I-85 Fire". Atlanta, GA: WSB-TV. Archived from the original on April 1, 2017. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
- Jump up^ "Man Charged in I-85 Bridge Collapse Appears in Court". Atlanta , GA: WAGA-TV. August 14, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
- Jump up^ Elliot, Richard (April 4, 2017). "Completion of Collapsed I-85 Could Be Completed by Mid-June". Atlanta, GA: WSB-TV. Archived from the original on April 4, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
- Jump up^ "One Day Later, We Still Don't Know What Caused Atlanta's I-85 Bridge Fire". USA Today. March 31, 2017. Archived from the original on April 4, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
- Jump up^ Wickert, David (May 12, 2017). "I-85 Northbound Lanes Reopen in Atlanta". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on May 13, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- Jump up^ Habersham, Raisa (August 18, 2017). "Fence built around I-85 bridge collapse site to prevent trespassing". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 5,2017.
External links
1 year since Atlanta's infamous I-85 bridge collapse Mar 30, 2018 - 4:45 PM
day after the bridge collapse police arrested a homeless man, Basil Eleby. They said he set fire to a chair, which ignited the materials under the interstate.
Eleby was charged with first-degree arson and criminal damage to property.
In December, a judge agreed to let Eleby avoid prosecution if he completed an 18-month diversion program.
Atlanta I-85 fire, collapse: 3 arrested in bridge fire - AJC.com Mar 31, 2017 - NEW: Suspect charged in I-85 bridge fire due in court State investigators arrested three people Frid...
ATLANTA BRIDGE FIRE: Key witness charged after I-85 fire: 'I have no ...
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/woman-who...85-fire.../508742874
Apr 4, 2017 - Sophia Brauer and her boyfriend were with Basil Eleby in the moments leading up to thefire.
Basil Eleby will not be 'scapegoat' for I-85 fire, defense team ... - WSB-TV
https://www.wsbtv.com/...basil-eleby-will-not-be-scapegoat-for-i-85-fire/512576161
Apr 14, 2017 - ATLANTA - The legal team and local activists representing an arson suspect accused of starting a massive fire that led to the collapse of an Interstate 85 bridge spoke out for the first time on Friday. Channel 2's Nicole Carr learned that Basil Eleby will plead not guilty.
Homeless man may never be tried for I-85 fire - MyAJC.com
https://www.myajc.com/news/local/homeless...fire/ANXQ1Eiax6j90Z56x5VBaM/ Dec 8, 2017 - The once-homeless man accused of setting a fire that brought down a chunk of I-85 and threw commuters into chaos for weeks last spring will most likely never be tried for arson. On Friday, prosecutors agreed to transfer Basil Eleby's case to one of Fulton County's accountability courts — in this case the ...agreed to transfer Basil Eleby’s case to one of Fulton County’s accountability courts — in this case the Behavioral Health Treatment Court. If he completes the mental health court program, which will take about 18 months, all charges against him will be dropped and no one would likely face any criminal consequences for the highway collapse that snarled traffic and cost millions of dollars in damages. “It’s in the best interest of both the defendant and the community,” Deputy District Attorney Fani Willis said after the brief court hearing ended.
Atlanta I-85 bridge update: 2017 fire caused bridge span to collapse ajc May 10, 2017 - Basil Eleby, 39, was charged with starting the fire. On Tuesday, April 18, Eleby pleadednot guilty to arson and criminal trespass charges and is expected to be released on a $10,000 signature bond.
11alive.com | I-85 fire suspect Basil Eleby in court Jun 16, 2017 - ATLANTA -- The man charged in the fire that led to the Interstate 85 bridge collapse is in court for a status conference hearing this morning. ... of high-powered attorneys have taken up Eleby'scase, saying that the Georgia Department of Transportation has made the homeless man a scapegoatfor the fire.
Is The Man Charged In The I-85 Fire A Scapegoat? Critics Think So ...
https://www.wabe.org/man-charged-i-85-fire-scapegoat-critics-think-so/ Apr 6, 2017 - Basil Eleby could be facing federal charges in connection with the fire that took out a segment of an Interstate 85 overpass Thursday. Authorities say... ... GDOT has not admitted wrongdoing, but has said it's evaluating “all things” in relation to the fire, including its storage policies. Eleby has already been ...
People who knew man accused of starting fire under I-85 can't be ...
www.cbs46.com/.../friends-of-man-accused-of-starting-fire-under-i-85-cant-believe-h...
Apr 2, 2017 - Those who know Basil Eleby, the man accused of starting a fire under I-85 that led to the collapse of a section of the roadway, are having a hard time believing that he is the ... "I don't why someone would want to burn down their own spot." ... "They're scapegoats definitely, definitelyscapegoats," says Loli.
Exclusive: I-85 arson suspect will remain in drug treatment program ... www.fox5atlanta.com/.../judge-i-85-arson-suspect-can-remain-in-drug-treatment-prog... Sep 28, 2017 - A Fulton County judge ruled Thursday that the homeless man accused of starting a firethat collapsed a portion of I-85 can remain in a drug treatment program and stay out of jail. ... Eleby'sattorneys pleaded not guilty in the high-profile case and have said he will not be used as a scapegoat. On April 19 ...
Lawyers representing homeless man in I-85 bridge fire holding news ...
www.fox5atlanta.com/.../lawyers-representing-homeless-man-in-i-85-bridge-fire-hold...apr 14, 2017 - FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Attorneys representing the homeless man accused in theInterstate 85 overpass collapse are held a news conference Friday, stating they're concerned he's being used as a "scapegoat" by government officials to avoid pubic scrutiny and accountability. Basil Eleby, 39,is being ...
Lawyers: I-85 fire suspect being "scapegoated"; GDOT should be h ...
www.foxcarolina.com/.../lawyers-i-85-fire-suspect-being-scapegoated-gdot-should-be-h... Apr 14, 2017 - The team of attorneys who volunteered to represent Basil Eleby, the man accused of starting the fire that burned under a section of Interstate 85, said their client is being used as ascapegoat.
Exclusive: I-85 fire suspect Basil Eleby is mentally disabled - Rolling Out https://rollingout.com/.../exclusive-accused-i-85-arsonist-basil-eleby-is-mentally-disabl...
Apr 4, 2017 - Here is the story of how Dean tried to help Basil Eleby: I-85 bridge (Photo source: GDOT). When you heard that Basil had been arrested for the bridge fire, what was your first reaction? When I heard that Basil was charged with burning the I-85 bridge down, I was shocked. At first, I could not have imagined ...
Atlanta I-85 fire, collapse: 3 arrested in bridge fire - AJC.com Mar 31, 2017 - NEW: Suspect charged in I-85 bridge fire due in court State investigators arrested three people Frid...
ATLANTA BRIDGE FIRE: Key witness charged after I-85 fire: 'I have no ...
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/woman-who...85-fire.../508742874
Apr 4, 2017 - Sophia Brauer and her boyfriend were with Basil Eleby in the moments leading up to thefire.
Basil Eleby will not be 'scapegoat' for I-85 fire, defense team ... - WSB-TV
https://www.wsbtv.com/...basil-eleby-will-not-be-scapegoat-for-i-85-fire/512576161
Apr 14, 2017 - ATLANTA - The legal team and local activists representing an arson suspect accused of starting a massive fire that led to the collapse of an Interstate 85 bridge spoke out for the first time on Friday. Channel 2's Nicole Carr learned that Basil Eleby will plead not guilty.
Homeless man may never be tried for I-85 fire - MyAJC.com
https://www.myajc.com/news/local/homeless...fire/ANXQ1Eiax6j90Z56x5VBaM/ Dec 8, 2017 - The once-homeless man accused of setting a fire that brought down a chunk of I-85 and threw commuters into chaos for weeks last spring will most likely never be tried for arson. On Friday, prosecutors agreed to transfer Basil Eleby's case to one of Fulton County's accountability courts — in this case the ...agreed to transfer Basil Eleby’s case to one of Fulton County’s accountability courts — in this case the Behavioral Health Treatment Court. If he completes the mental health court program, which will take about 18 months, all charges against him will be dropped and no one would likely face any criminal consequences for the highway collapse that snarled traffic and cost millions of dollars in damages. “It’s in the best interest of both the defendant and the community,” Deputy District Attorney Fani Willis said after the brief court hearing ended.
Atlanta I-85 bridge update: 2017 fire caused bridge span to collapse ajc May 10, 2017 - Basil Eleby, 39, was charged with starting the fire. On Tuesday, April 18, Eleby pleadednot guilty to arson and criminal trespass charges and is expected to be released on a $10,000 signature bond.
11alive.com | I-85 fire suspect Basil Eleby in court Jun 16, 2017 - ATLANTA -- The man charged in the fire that led to the Interstate 85 bridge collapse is in court for a status conference hearing this morning. ... of high-powered attorneys have taken up Eleby'scase, saying that the Georgia Department of Transportation has made the homeless man a scapegoatfor the fire.
Is The Man Charged In The I-85 Fire A Scapegoat? Critics Think So ...
https://www.wabe.org/man-charged-i-85-fire-scapegoat-critics-think-so/ Apr 6, 2017 - Basil Eleby could be facing federal charges in connection with the fire that took out a segment of an Interstate 85 overpass Thursday. Authorities say... ... GDOT has not admitted wrongdoing, but has said it's evaluating “all things” in relation to the fire, including its storage policies. Eleby has already been ...
People who knew man accused of starting fire under I-85 can't be ...
www.cbs46.com/.../friends-of-man-accused-of-starting-fire-under-i-85-cant-believe-h...
Apr 2, 2017 - Those who know Basil Eleby, the man accused of starting a fire under I-85 that led to the collapse of a section of the roadway, are having a hard time believing that he is the ... "I don't why someone would want to burn down their own spot." ... "They're scapegoats definitely, definitelyscapegoats," says Loli.
Exclusive: I-85 arson suspect will remain in drug treatment program ... www.fox5atlanta.com/.../judge-i-85-arson-suspect-can-remain-in-drug-treatment-prog... Sep 28, 2017 - A Fulton County judge ruled Thursday that the homeless man accused of starting a firethat collapsed a portion of I-85 can remain in a drug treatment program and stay out of jail. ... Eleby'sattorneys pleaded not guilty in the high-profile case and have said he will not be used as a scapegoat. On April 19 ...
Lawyers representing homeless man in I-85 bridge fire holding news ...
www.fox5atlanta.com/.../lawyers-representing-homeless-man-in-i-85-bridge-fire-hold...apr 14, 2017 - FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Attorneys representing the homeless man accused in theInterstate 85 overpass collapse are held a news conference Friday, stating they're concerned he's being used as a "scapegoat" by government officials to avoid pubic scrutiny and accountability. Basil Eleby, 39,is being ...
Lawyers: I-85 fire suspect being "scapegoated"; GDOT should be h ...
www.foxcarolina.com/.../lawyers-i-85-fire-suspect-being-scapegoated-gdot-should-be-h... Apr 14, 2017 - The team of attorneys who volunteered to represent Basil Eleby, the man accused of starting the fire that burned under a section of Interstate 85, said their client is being used as ascapegoat.
Exclusive: I-85 fire suspect Basil Eleby is mentally disabled - Rolling Out https://rollingout.com/.../exclusive-accused-i-85-arsonist-basil-eleby-is-mentally-disabl...
Apr 4, 2017 - Here is the story of how Dean tried to help Basil Eleby: I-85 bridge (Photo source: GDOT). When you heard that Basil had been arrested for the bridge fire, what was your first reaction? When I heard that Basil was charged with burning the I-85 bridge down, I was shocked. At first, I could not have imagined ...
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