Three Dead in Wrong-Way Crash on I-75 South Near Dalton After Driver Fled Traffic Stop [VIDEO]

A wrong-way driver fleeing a traffic stop caused a fiery three-vehicle crash that left three people dead Thursday morning on Interstate 75 south near Dalton, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office.

Driver Fled Deputies, Then Entered Wrong Lanes on I-75

GSP said a 2025 Hyundai Elantra was attempting to escape from Whitfield County deputies around 10:30 a.m. when the driver turned into the wrong direction of the southbound lanes near mile marker 336.

The Elantra first struck a GMC Canyon before crashing head-on into a JB Hunt tractor-trailer, then hitting a concrete divider. Both the Hyundai and the semi-truck burst into flames.

All three people inside the Elantra were killed. Authorities have not yet released their identities, pending family notifications.

 

Injuries and Interstate Shutdown

The driver of the GMC Canyon and two others involved in the collision were transported to Hamilton Medical Center with minor injuries.

I-75 southbound was shut down for hours due to extensive fire damage and debris. The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office confirmed all lanes reopened around 2 p.m., though traffic delays continued into the afternoon.

Investigation Underway

The GSP Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team has been called in to assist with the investigation. Deputies say the crash originated during a pursuit after a deputy attempted to stop the speeding Hyundai. The driver immediately fled, turning into the oncoming lanes moments before the fatal crash.

Officials have not provided a timeline for when more information, including the victims’ names, will be released.