Tuesday marks the four-year anniversary of the I-85 fire and bridge collapse in Atlanta that crippled traffic in our city for months.
The incident began around 6 p.m. on the evening of March 30, 2017 but quickly erupted into something bigger than anyone anticipated. Large flames consumed the northbound lanes on both sides and plumes of dark smoke rose from under the Buford-Spring Connector.
Six weeks later -- weeks ahead of schedule -- crews had rebuilt and reopened the collapsed portion of I-85.
>>Take a look back at an article detailing all of what Georgia’s Department of Transportation faced just days after the I-85 bridge collapse.
Basil Eleby, the man charged with starting the fire, was able to avoid jail time after agreeing to complete an 18-month program.
Prosecutors at the time said it was the right track for the accused I-85 arsonist who was working hard to treat his addiction.
“I’d rather be sober than be the other way around,” Eleby told WSB Radio. “It’s a whole lot better.”
He added, “I never thought I’d get to this point. To get another chance because there are so many people out there who didn’t get another chance.
“Most low people are just looking for a way out and they just need a chance. They just need people to believe in them.”
>>Read more from Eleby’s 2017 interview here.