Six people were killed and 10 others were injured after the passenger van they were riding in crashed Saturday evening on I-85 and burst into flames, Gwinnett County authorities said.
Investigators said other drivers who saw the burning vehicle tried to rescue the 16 passengers, all of whom were adults. They were part of a sober living community, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Traffic Alert: Officers are investigating a significant traffic accident on 85 northbound near the 985 split. Several lanes have been shut down. Avoid the area and seek alternate routes. Fatalities have been confirmed. pic.twitter.com/4WHGwnt8FW
— Gwinnett County Police (@GwinnettPd) April 24, 2021
The crash happened in the northbound lanes of I-85 near the I-985 split, according to Gwinnett police. About 6:30 p.m., 911 calls began pouring in saying that a passenger van was on its side and engulfed in flames on the interstate.
“Passersby attempted to pull victims from the burning vehicle and render aid,” police said.
Two of the witnesses kicked through a windshield to help get people out, Channel 2 reported. One bystander received a minor injury.
Six of the victims died at the scene, and the others were taken to metro Atlanta hospitals for undisclosed injuries. Their names were not released Sunday.
The cause of the wreck is still under investigation.
“Based on statements at the scene, another vehicle may have been directly or indirectly involved in this incident,” police said. “To determine exactly what happened, witnesses are urged to call the Accident Investigation Unit tip line at 678-442-5653.”
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