By Joe Johnson

Seven people were killed Monday afternoon in a multi-vehicle collision in Jackson County.

An eighth person reportedly died at the hospital.

The crash happened at about 4:15 p.m. Monday and involved six vehicles.

A tractor trailer reportedly struck a van from behind and caused a chain reaction involving the other vehicles.

The van burst into flames and all seven of its occupants perished.

One of the involved vehicles was a van transporting 37 cats, some of which were taken for treatment at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital.