ATLANTA (AP) — Tragedy struck Monday afternoon when an eighth body was discovered following a fiery crash involving a semitrailer and a passenger van along Interstate 85 in Jackson County, about 62 miles northeast of Atlanta. The Deputy Coroner, Dean Stringer, confirmed the grim finding on Tuesday.
Law enforcement reported that a semitrailer collided with the van, igniting a fire that consumed the vehicle. Initially, seven individuals from the van were pronounced dead at the scene. The eighth victim's presence came to light later, prompting further investigation by the Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team.
Authorities indicated that the semitrailer had been following the Dodge van too closely, leading to the catastrophic event. The collision triggered a chain reaction involving four additional vehicles.
Included among the wreckage was a van utilized by Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters, which was transporting 37 cats to a shelter in Vermont. According to CEO Samantha Shelton, the driver of this van sustained minor injuries while several cages were crushed, causing some of the cats to escape. As of the latest updates, two cats remain missing, with one hospitalized in critical condition.
The investigation continues as officials work to identify and confirm the occupants involved in this devastating tragedy.
