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Tragic Multi-Vehicle Pileup on I-85 Claims Eight Lives
JACKSON COUNTY, GA – A horrific six-vehicle collision on Interstate 85 in Jackson County has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including multiple family members, as confirmed by the Jackson County Coroner’s Office. The devastating incident occurred Monday afternoon in the northbound lanes, just south of mile marker 147.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the chain of events began when a semi-trailer truck carrying chicken feed struck the rear of a Dodge Grand Caravan. This initial impact triggered a cascade, involving four other vehicles. The Dodge van quickly became engulfed in flames, and all seven occupants – three adults and five children from the same family – were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later confirmed on Tuesday that an eighth individual involved in the pileup also succumbed to their injuries, raising the total death toll.
The driver of the semi-trailer, identified as 33-year-old Kane Hammock of Gainesville, GA, has been taken into custody. He faces eight counts of vehicular homicide, feticide, following too closely, no registration, and failure to exercise due care.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in conjunction with the Georgia State Patrol, has launched a safety investigation into the fatal crash. The identities of those killed have not yet been released.
Adding to the tragic scene, one of the vehicles involved was an animal transportation van belonging to Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters, Georgia’s largest no-kill animal shelter. The van was en route to a Vermont shelter, transporting 37 cats.
The driver sustained injuries, as did several cats. In the chaos of the wreckage, five cats are currently missing.
Furkids released a statement expressing their grief: “In the chaos of the wreckage, cages were crushed, and cats began to flee. We are conducting triage on all of the cats involved to determine the extent of their injuries and needed medical care. This is a tragic day, and our thoughts are with all who are grieving.”
The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is actively investigating the incident, which led to the closure of all northbound lanes of I-85 in the area until nearly 10 p.m.
“We do not have any updates at this time. This crash is still under investigation. Once we receive new information, we will provide you with an update,” stated Georgia State Patrol spokesperson Franka Young.
Jackson County is located approximately 60 miles north of Atlanta.