Two-vehicle crash on Lakewood Avenue SW leaves one dead and prompts extended road closure

What happened and where

A fatal two-vehicle crash in southwest Atlanta shut down a section of Lakewood Avenue SW on Tuesday evening, leaving one person dead and two others hospitalized in critical condition. Police said the collision occurred near the 2000 block of Lakewood Avenue SW, in the vicinity of Olive Street, and prompted an immediate closure of the surrounding roadway for emergency response and investigative work.

Officers were dispatched shortly after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. On arrival, police found one person who was declared dead at the scene. Two additional people involved in the crash were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not released the identity of the person who died.

Road impacts and what drivers encountered

The closure affected traffic movement along Lakewood Avenue SW as crews worked to secure the scene, treat patients, remove damaged vehicles, and document evidence needed for a crash reconstruction. Traffic monitoring in the area showed backups as drivers were diverted around the closure points near connecting neighborhood streets.

Police did not provide an estimated time for reopening Tuesday night, indicating the roadway would remain closed until investigators and clearance crews completed their work.

Investigation status

The Atlanta Police Department’s Accident Investigations Unit responded to examine the circumstances that led to the collision. At this stage, investigators have not publicly confirmed contributing factors such as speed, impairment, failure to yield, or mechanical issues. The department also has not released information on whether any citations or charges are anticipated.

Police have described the investigation as ongoing while the scene is processed and evidence is collected.

What is known, and what remains unknown

• Known: The crash involved two vehicles and occurred near the 2000 block of Lakewood Avenue SW on Tuesday evening.

• Known: One person died at the scene; two others were hospitalized in critical condition.

• Known: The immediate roadway area was closed with no immediate reopening time provided Tuesday night.

• Unknown: The identity of the person who died and the precise sequence of events leading to the collision.

• Unknown: Whether speed, impairment, roadway conditions, or other factors played a role.

What to watch for next

Further details are expected as investigators complete a preliminary reconstruction and notify next of kin. Police typically release additional information once core facts are verified, including potential contributing factors and any enforcement action stemming from the findings.