Police: Driver Dies After Crashing Into Pole, Car Engulfed in Flames

Update, Wednesday, 4:43 p.m.: From Lilburn Police Chief Bruce Hedley: "We are still in the process of determining the cause associated with this collision.  The investigative report will be available once it has been completed and approved for distribution. Also, we are still in the process of notifying the deceased next of kin so few details will be released at this time."

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Update, Tuesday, 6:45 p.m.: The traffic lights are out and it's mostly Lawrenceville Highway going west, back toward Lilburn. Indian Trail Road is backed up.

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Update, Tuesday, 6:40 p.m.: Patch is at the scene and reports that the vehicle has now been removed. The utility company is there and workers are cleaning up debris.

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Update, Tuesday, 5:50 p.m.: Twitter post from City of Lilburn: "Fatal accident closed Indian Trail north of US 29. SB traffic cut through at Wynne Russell. NB open. Avoid area."

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One person is reported dead after a car crashed into a pole and became engulfed in flames in Lilburn.

According to Lilburn Police Chief Bruce Hedley, mutliple witnesses observed the driver of a small, red-colored SUV traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Lawrenceville Highway around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday (April 23).

The driver crashed into a large metal mast arm pole in front of the Waffle House at the intersection of Highway 29 and Indian Trail Road.

"After the crash, the car caught on fire, and the occupant was unable to exit the vehicle and perished in the fire," said Hedley.

Police have not released any details on the driver. No other occupants were in the vehicle and no one else has been reported injured.

Currently, police are in the process of investigating the accident and have partnered with the medical examiner's office to remove the body and car.

Southbound traffic on Highway 29 is currently blocked due to the accident. Hedley said even after they remove the crime scene, traffic could still be blocked due to how safe the pole is.

"If the mast arm is safe, we'll re-open the intersection, but right now, there are indications that there is some additional damage to the mast arm," Hedley said, adding that the Gwinnett Utilities Department and the Department of Transportation is en route to assess it the situation.

Northbound traffic on Highway 29 is moving slowly, according to the city of Lilburn. Drivers should expect delays of two to three hours, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Stay with Patch for updates as this story develops.