GWINNETT P.D. NEWS RELEASE:
“The decedents have been identified as Katy Gaitan (17 year old Female from Atlanta), Ashley Gaitan (16 year old Female from Atlanta), Coral Lorenzo (17 year old Female from Atlanta), Hung Nguyen (18 year old Male from Lawrenceville) and Abner Santana (19 year old Male from Suwanee).
All the decedents were occupants of the same vehicle, which had gone over the wall of the raised ramp. Next of Kin for each of the decedents have been notified. The Gwinnett County Police Department has learned at least 3 of the deceased were students at Lakeside High School in Dekalb County.
This continues to be an active investigation and ask anyone with information to please contact the Gwinnett County Police Department Accident Investigation Unit.”
EARLIER GWINNETT POLICE NEWS RELEASE:
“The Gwinnett Police Accident Investigation Unit is handling a 3-vehicle collision which occurred on the SR 316 (University Pkwy) westbound ramp to Interstate 85 southbound.
Shortly before 4 a.m. 911 calls were received by Gwinnett County Communications of a vehicle going over the wall of the raised ramp, falling onto the Interstate 85 southbound Collector-Distributor to Pleasant Hill Rd. Officers assigned to the Central Precinct responded quickly to the collision, and requested the Accident Investigation Unit. Gwinnett County Fire Personnel identified 5 persons deceased at the scene. 3 additional persons were transported to local hospitals.
This collision resulted in an extended shutdown of the SR 316 WB ramps to I85 SB and Pleasant Hill Rd, along with the I85 SB Collector Distributor to Pleasant Hill Rd. The roadways have since re-opened and the Accident Investigation Unit is continuing the investigation. Specific identifying information of the deceased is being withheld until all Next of Kin’s are notified.
It has not yet been determined what factors led to the collision, or the seriousness of the injuries to the surviving parties.
Witnesses are encouraged to call or email GCPD Investigators with any helpful information at [email protected] or 678-442-5653. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.”