Overview

• The Jackson County coroner confirmed an eighth victim was recovered after initial reports cited seven fatalities.
• Georgia State Patrol says a semitrailer following too closely struck a Dodge van around 4 p.m. Monday, the van ignited, and four additional vehicles crashed.
• The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation, and officials have not released the victims’ identities.
• A Furkids transport van carrying 37 cats was involved; the driver sustained head cuts and bruises, two cats remained missing Tuesday, and one was in critical care.
• All northbound lanes near mile marker 147 were closed for hours, with traffic not fully reopened until almost 10 p.m. Monday.