- A crash outside a Kroger on Wesley Chapel Road left one person dead and two others seriously injured on May 6.
- A driver’s vehicle struck a parked car, sending it onto the sidewalk where it hit a pedestrian before crashing into the building.
- The driver of the parked vehicle died at the scene; the pedestrian and initial driver were rushed to the hospital.
- DeKalb County police are actively investigating the cause of the crash.
DEKALB COUNTY, Georgia — A routine Tuesday afternoon at a busy Kroger turned deadly when a violent crash outside the store left one person dead and two others fighting for their lives.
At around 3:20 p.m. on May 6, DeKalb County police rushed to the Kroger located in the 2300 block of Wesley Chapel Road after reports of a serious crash in the parking lot.
What they found was a chaotic scene.
What Happened Outside the Kroger
According to a preliminary investigation, a driver’s vehicle slammed into another car that was parked in front of the store.
The force of the impact did not stop there.
The struck vehicle was pushed up onto the sidewalk, where it hit a pedestrian who was standing nearby. The car then came to rest against the side of the building.
The driver of the parked vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two Others Rushed to the Hospital
The pedestrian who was struck on the sidewalk suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
The driver of the vehicle that caused the crash also sustained serious injuries and was taken for medical treatment.
As of the latest update, both remain hospitalized.
Investigation Is Ongoing
DeKalb County police have not yet released the identities of those involved.
The cause of the crash — including why the driver lost control and struck the parked vehicle — is still under investigation. Authorities have not confirmed whether speed, a medical emergency, or another factor played a role.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to come forward.
A Reminder of How Fast Things Can Change
This kind of tragedy is a sobering reminder that parking lots and sidewalks outside busy stores are not as safe as they seem.
In recent years, vehicle-into-building and parking lot crashes have become an alarming trend across the country. A pedestrian standing on a sidewalk, waiting to enter a store, has almost no protection if a vehicle comes toward them.
For a family in DeKalb County, May 6 started like any other Tuesday — and ended with an unbearable loss.
This story is developing. Updates will be added as new information is released by DeKalb County authorities.
Did you witness this crash or were you near the Kroger on Wesley Chapel Road when it happened? Share what you saw in the comments — your account could help the community understand what took place.
