In a devastating accident that occurred on May 19, 2024, at approximately 6:01 PM, multiple lives were tragically lost on I-75 Southbound near mile marker 286. Troopers swiftly arrived at the scene, where a catastrophic chain reaction of collisions involved several vehicles, leaving a trail of destruction and sorrow.
Preliminary evidence gathered by the investigators indicates that the sequence of events began when a Kia van, traveling northbound, inexplicably left the roadway. The van crossed the grass median, careened into the southbound lanes, and collided with a Chevy Tahoe and a Toyota 4Runner. The initial collision was compounded when the Kia van and the Toyota 4Runner were subsequently struck by a commercial vehicle. To add to the chaos, a Hyundai SUV, unable to stop in time, struck the rear of the Chevy Tahoe.
The impact of these collisions was immediate and devastating. Three occupants of the Kia van were pronounced deceased at the scene, including one juvenile. Two other juveniles from the van sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The driver of the Toyota 4Runner also succumbed to fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevy Tahoe was critically injured and airlifted to the hospital, while a juvenile and an adult from the Hyundai SUV were also transported to the hospital with injuries.
The victims of this tragic incident have been identified, all hailing from Cartersville. They are Dakarai Mason, 43, Erin Mason, 35, Brandon Crawford, 15, and Aimee Odom, 21. The loss of these individuals has undoubtedly left their community and loved ones in profound grief.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to determine the exact cause of the Kia van’s departure from its lane. The reasons behind this tragic deviation remain unclear, and it is hoped that further analysis and witness testimonies will shed light on the incident.