By Shawn Henry 
A crash on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, Georgia, has left seven people dead and two cats still missing after a transport van operated by FurKids Animal Rescue was caught in the wreckage. The Atlanta-based nonprofit was en route to Vermont on Monday, carrying 37 cats to a partner shelter when disaster struck just 90 minutes into the trip.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the crash occurred around 4:15 p.m. when a tractor-trailer collided with a van, triggering a chain-reaction crash that engulfed the vehicle in flames. All seven occupants of the van were pronounced dead at the scene.
FurKids, the state’s largest no-kill animal shelter, confirmed that their team was involved in the fatal incident. “We are devastated for the families affected, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them,” the organization shared in a statement.
In the chaos following the crash, several cages were crushed and cats escaped. By Monday night, 35 of the 37 cats had been located, but two remain missing. “We are conducting triage on all of the cats involved to determine the extent of their injuries and needed medical care,” FurKids said on social media.
Two injured cats were transported to the University of Georgia’s veterinary hospital for treatment, while others were examined by a vet who arrived at the scene. Volunteers helped gather the surviving animals, some of which were temporarily housed at a nearby truck stop where staff could clean up and assess their conditions.
The group is now asking for prayers and community support as they continue searching for the missing cats. Donations can be made through FurKids’ website to assist with medical care and recovery efforts.
This devastating crash has shaken both the animal rescue community and those who knew the victims. As the search continues, FurKids says its priority remains the welfare of the surviving cats and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives trying to save them.
Images Via Facebook and Furkids
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