SUWANEE, Ga. — Police are now reporting that six people are dead after a traffic accident that happened on I-85 in Gwinnett, Saturday, involving a passenger van.
Gwinnett Police reported the accident around 7 p.m. in the northbound lanes of I-85 near the I-985 split. Gwinnett Police Sgt. Michele Pihera said that callers first reported that a vehicle was on its side and engulfed in flames. Meanwhile, passersby attempted to pull victims from the burning vehicle.
In addition to the six who died at the scene, Sgt. Pihera said several others were taken to area hospitals. A bystander also suffered minor injuries but didn't need to be transported.
On Sunday morning, police told 11Alive that there were at total of 16 people in the van at the time of the wreck. Police said they were from a sober living group.
As a result of the crash, several lanes were shut down. Around 9:30 p.m., police said investigators were still on the scene. However, the interstate appeared to have fully reopened by 11 p.m.
Investigators haven't provided any additional information regarding how the crash happened but said another vehicle may have been involved.
Police are asking witnesses to come forward with any additional information they may have and call the Accident Investigation Unit tip line at 678-442-5653.
It's the second deadly accident in the area of I-985 reported on Saturday. Another crash occurred in Hall County in the early morning around 1:30 a.m. between the Friendship Road and Spout Springs Road exits.
In that crash, investigators said an SUV left the northbound lanes of the interstate, rolled several times, and ejected the driver. The driver ultimately died from his injuries.