Tractor-Trailer Driver Charged in Fatal Accident on I-85

A tractor-trailer driver has been charged in connection with a fatal accident that occurred Saturday on I-85 in an unincorporated area of Suwanee.

Gwinnett Police said Monday that Raymond L. Hatt Jr., 35, of Manton, Ga., faces charges of second degree vehicular homicide, unsafe lane change and failure to signal lane change.
 
The deceased man was identified as Hafiz M. Ilyas, 40, of Marietta.

The accident occurred on I-85 South near the Old Peachtree Road overpass, police said.

Police said Ilyas' vehicle was traveling south on I-85 in the far right lane. Hatt's tractor-trailer was also traveling south on I-85 in the lane immediately to the left of Ilyas.

Hatt made an improper lane change to the right, cutting off Ilyas. This maneuver forced Ilyas onto the shoulder, police said. Ilyas lost control of his vehicle and entered back onto the freeway and struck the tractor-trailer. Ilyas' vehicle became trapped under the trailer and caught fire as a result of the collision.

Ilyas was trapped inside the vehicle and died at the scene, police said.

As of Monday evening, Hatt was still being held on bond at the Gwinnett Detention Center.

This information was obtained from Gwinnett Police. It does not indicate a conviction. Questions should be addressed to suwanee@patch.