Seven Dead in Fiery I-85 Crash in Jackson County, Georgia

JACKSON COUNTY, Ga. — A tragic six-vehicle crash on Interstate 85 north near the Commerce-Maysville exit resulted in the deaths of seven people Monday afternoon.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, the collision occurred around 4:20 p.m. when a chicken feed truck struck a Dodge van, which was following too closely. This impact initiated a chain reaction involving two additional vehicles. The van became engulfed in flames, leading to the fatalities of all seven individuals inside, whose names have not yet been released.

The dramatic scene prompted a swift response from multiple local emergency agencies, but unfortunately, all seven passengers in the van were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators worked diligently to clear the wreckage and collect evidence, causing major traffic delays until nearly 9:45 p.m. as all northbound lanes were shut down.

Notably, among the vehicles involved was a van operated by Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters from Cumming, which was transporting 37 cats to a new shelter in Vermont. The driver of this van suffered injuries. As of late Monday, 32 of the cats were accounted for, while five remained unaccounted for, according to a social media update from the rescue organization.

Aerial footage from the crash site depicted a tractor-trailer with a charred cab by the side of the road, alongside a severely damaged car. The incident marks one of the deadliest traffic accidents in Jackson County‘s recent history.