• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
highway

Three Arrests in Fire That Destroyed Atlanta Highway

By
David Z. Morris
David Z. Morris
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
David Z. Morris
David Z. Morris
Down Arrow Button Icon
April 1, 2017, 12:15 PM ET

Atlanta CBS News affiliate WGCL reports that three suspects have been arrested in connection with a massive fire that destroyed part of Atlanta’s Interstate 85. Sophia Brauer, Barry Thomas, and Basil Eleby were arrested early Friday evening, with Brauer and Thomas facing trespassing charges and Eleby charged with first-degree criminal damage to property.

According to police sources, the three were under the bridge when Eleby allegedly set a shopping cart and chair on fire. One source has told NPR that plastic pipes stored under the highway fueled the fire, though a DOT official described the pipes as “non-combustible,” and a police source told WGCL that the fire burned piles of plastic wiring.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

Whatever its fuel, the blaze generated towers of black smoke, and ultimately caused the collapse of a 350-foot section of the highway. Miraculously, there were no injuries, but both sides of road will have to be repaired before it can be re-opened. Officials have estimated that will take several months, and the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration have pledged emergency funds for the repairs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSU5Tw6Dp9Y/

In the meantime, Atlanta commuters, particularly from outlying suburbs, are predicted to face substantial ongoing delays. NPR reports that the road normally carries around 250,000 cars a day. To mitigate congestion, Atlanta’s MARTA rail system will be getting extra staff. But on the day after the collapse, many commuters seemingly opted to drive on alternative roads, causing serious and widespread congestion.

About the Author
By David Z. Morris
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.