My mother just e-mailed me and asked if I had heard (you can't be in Atlanta and not know). This is my reply to her, with my speculation on how it happened:


Yes, you can't be in Atlanta and not know about it. I actually heard about it a few minutes after it happened as I was driving into work. It's very tragic. I can understand HOW it happened, but it doesn't lessen the tragedy. The exit for that bridge is on the left side, and they were traveling in the HOV lane.

It's dark, and the driver most likely isn't familiar with Atlanta. I'm sure he assumed he was still on the interstate, and didn't realize he was exiting (it's still painted with the HOV markings). By the time he realized it and tried to turn, while still traveling at highway speed, the bus turned and went over the bridge. That's my theory, anyway. That exit sneaks up on you when you are traveling in the HOV lane.