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Seven people were killed Monday afternoon in a fiery six-vehicle crash that shut down all northbound lanes of Interstate 85 in Jackson County, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Troopers said the wreck happened around 4:11 p.m. just south of mile marker 147. Investigators believe a semi-trailer following too closely struck the back of a Dodge van, setting off a chain reaction involving four more vehicles.
The van caught fire after impact, and all seven people inside were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released.
All northbound lanes of I-85 were closed for several hours after the crash, with traffic diverted to Exit 140.
Authorities have not released the names, ages, or hometowns of the seven people killed in the fiery crash.
Investigators have not said what caused the semi-trailer to strike the van, whether speed or impairment were factors, or if any of the other drivers were injured.
Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelter confirmed on Monday night that one of its transport vans was involved in the deadly crash on I-85 in Jackson County.
The organization said the van was carrying 37 cats to a partner shelter in Vermont when it was struck about 90 minutes after leaving Atlanta. “We are devastated for the families affected, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them,” Furkids said in a statement posted to its official Facebook page.
The shelter said its driver and several animals were injured, while five cats remain missing. Staff members were on scene working to recover the animals and provide medical care to the 32 cats that have been found.
“This is a tragic day, and our thoughts are with all who are grieving,” the statement said.
The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is continuing to investigate.
