The Gwinnett County Police Department has identified six victims who died in a crash on Interstate 85 northbound at its split with I-985.
The victims have been identified as:
- Alishia Carroll, a 34 year old female from Columbus
- Kristie Whitfield, a 44 year old female from Mount Airy
- Ashleigh Paris, a 26 year old female from Kennesaw
- Tina Rice, a 53 year old female from Atlanta
- Normisha Monroe, a 38 year old female from Norcross
- Rose Patrick, a 34 year old female from Ellabell
Several other individuals were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries. One bystander sustained a minor injury and refused transport.
The crash, which occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, involved a passenger van engulfed in flames. Passersby attempted to pull victims from the burning vehicle and render aid.
Several calls were made to 911 regarding the crash.
“It’s a full ball of flames,” one caller told a 911 operator of the vehicle.
“They’re pulling people out of the car that’s on fire and some of them are on fire, but the pedestrians on the side are taking their clothes and stuff off and patting them,” another caller reported. “They took their shirts off and they’re patting them.”
That caller then became concerned that the vehicle on fire was about to explode.
“It’s really hot because I can feel it,” the caller said of the fire.
Police are still investigating the details surrounding the crash, and are asking anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward. Witnesses are urged to call GCPD’s Accident Investigation Unit tip line at 678-442-5653 and reference case number 21-031606.
Based on reports at the scene of the crash, another vehicle may have been involved directly or indirectly in the crash.
Related: Accident at I-85/I-985 split claims lives of six adults
