A semi‑tractor trailer driven by Kane Aaron Hammock, 33 struck a Dodge van on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, Georgia, triggering a chain‑reaction crash involving multiple vehicles

A semi‑tractor trailer driven by Kane Aaron Hammock, 33 struck a Dodge van on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, Georgia, triggering a chain‑reaction crash involving multiple vehicles. AP News+2FOX 5 Atlanta+2

The crash resulted in eight fatalities, including five children. AP News+2WYFF+2

Hammock has been arrested and charged with multiple counts including second‑degree vehicular homicide (eight counts) and vehicular feticide (pending autopsy confirmation), among other traffic crimes (following too closely, distracted driving, vehicle registration violations). https://www.wafb.com+3AP News+3https://www.whsv.com+3

The crash occurred when the semi, reportedly following too closely, struck the rear of the van, which then caught fire along with the semi. https://www.wafb.com+3AP News+3FOX 5 Atlanta+3

The Northbound lanes of I‑85 were shut for hours as authorities investigated. FOX 5 Atlanta+1

Among the vehicles involved in the chain reaction was a van belonging to Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelter, transporting 37 cats. That vehicle was damaged, and some cats escaped. https://www.wbrc.com+3AP News+3FOX 5 Atlanta+3

The identities of the deceased have not all been officially confirmed by authorities, but family members have publicly named some victims and indicated one of the victims may have been pregnant. AP News+3https://www.whsv.com+3FOX 5 Atlanta+3

Hammock was booked into the Jackson County Jail, with a bond set at $93,000. FOX 5 Atlanta+2https://www.whsv.com+2

The Georgia State Patrol’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are involved in the ongoing investigation. https://www.wafb.com+3AP News+3FOX 5 Atlanta+3