Wrong-way Kia Seltos struck Toyota Camry, other vehicles on GA-10 Inner Loop
December 21, 2025 | Athens, GA
A tragic multi-vehicle accident in Athens claimed the lives of two individuals and left others with serious injuries, as reported by local authorities.
Soonhoon Choi, 25, of Athens, was killed in a head-on crash involving a wrong-way Kia Seltos and a Toyota Camry on GA-10 Inner Loop at Oglethorpe Avenue.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision unfolded shortly after midnight on Dec. 21 along the GA-10 Inner Loop at Oglethorpe Avenue. According to preliminary findings from the Athens-Clarke County Police, a 2021 Kia Seltos was driving the wrong way when it first collided with a 2021 Mercedes-Benz and a 2020 Ford Expedition. The Kia then slammed head-on into a Toyota Camry. The vehicle came to rest against cable barriers and burst into flames.
Key details of the incident include:
- Date and Time: Dec. 21, 2025, around 12:08 a.m.
- Location: GA-10 Inner Loop at Oglethorpe Avenue, Athens, GA
- Vehicles Involved: 2021 Kia Seltos, wrong-way driver, 2021 Mercedes-Benz, 2020 Ford Expedition, Toyota Camry
- Fatalities: Driver of the Kia, 26-year-old woman, died at the scene, and Soonhoon Choi, 25, of Athens, driver of the Toyota Camry
- Injuries: Passenger in Kia, identified as Lexi, in critical condition, and multiple occupants of Mercedes-Benz and Ford Expedition, with non-life-threatening injuries
The investigation into the causes and contributing factors remains ongoing.
Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Like This Occur?
Wrong-way driving incidents on divided highways pose significant risks, often leading to catastrophic outcomes. Data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that between 2015 and 2018, there were 2,008 fatalities from such crashes, averaging about 500 deaths annually. Factors increasing the likelihood include alcohol impairment, older age, and driving alone.
Common contributors to accidents of this nature, as noted by traffic safety professionals, encompass:
- Inexperienced or distracted driving
- Failure to follow traffic laws and signage
- Reckless behavior behind the wheel
- Navigating unfamiliar roads
- Impairment from alcohol or drugs
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Alcohol Impairment |
Increases odds of wrong-way entry |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Older Age |
Higher risk among drivers over 65 |
Federal Highway Administration |
No Passenger |
Solitary driving linked to errors |
CDC Traffic Safety Reports |
Poor Visibility |
Nighttime conditions on loops |
National Safety Council |
Road conditions, lighting, and visibility play crucial roles and require detailed examination in every case.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, thorough investigations are essential to determine liability and support affected families.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Legal representation ensures updates on investigations and protects rights during challenging times.
- Compensation can address medical bills, funeral costs, and long-term effects.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).