Six people died and one teenager survived after a horrific crash on I-485 near Walkers Ferry Road Saturday morning, according to officials with the Steele Creek Fire Department.
At 11:06 a.m., a Honda CRV driven by 16-year-old Paul Sauer collided with a Chrysler van, pushing both vehicles beneath a tractor-trailer. Sauer and five passengers in the van were killed, including the van’s driver, 27-year-old Samuel Holmes, and children ages 1, 3, and 8. A 16-year-old girl from the van survived and was hospitalized. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured.
Crews worked more than five hours in extreme heat to lift the truck and reach the trapped vehicles. No charges are expected, but the investigation continues.
The crash closed the outer loop of I-485 for several hours. Emergency responders are receiving mental health support following the tragic scene.
