STONECREST, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An 11-year-old girl is dead after a multi-car crash that blocked traffic for hours on I-20 westbound in DeKalb County early Monday morning.
Seven people were injured in the crash, which happened in Stonecrest, according to the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department.
The girl killed has been identified as Nevaeh Govan by the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office.
A man was also critically injured in the crash, and a 9-year-old was hurt, according to police.
DeKalb County Fire said two juveniles, including the 11-year-old who died, were ejected from a vehicle, and two adults were trapped in their vehicles and were critically injured. Three other adults “sustained moderate injuries,” the fire department said.
DeKalb County Fire said all seven patients were taken to area hospitals.
DeKalb County police say they responded to a reported three-car crash on I-20 WB near Turner Hill Road at around 1:46 a.m. Police said a westbound SUV hit the median wall and ended up perpendicular to the highway. Another vehicle hit the SUV, causing it to spin, and another vehicle hit it again.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) said four vehicles were involved in the crash; DeKalb County Fire said its crews found six vehicles “disabled across the roadway.”
Police are investigating what caused the crash between the SUV and the median wall.
All lanes were blocked for hours as first responders, including units with both DeKalb County Fire and the DeKalb County Police Department, responded to the scene.
The Atlanta News First Breaking News Tracker was at the scene and reported seeing several ambulances.
All lanes reopened around 6:27 a.m., according to GDOT.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.