JACKSON COUNTY, GA — The death toll is up to eight after a chain reaction crash involving a van carrying a family, a Furkids van full of cats, and a tractor trailer on I-85 in northeast Georgia.

The collision happened near mile marker 147, just south of the Tanger Outlets.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, a tractor-trailer following too closely struck the rear of a dodge van. The collision caused the back of the Dodge van, which was carrying the family, to catch on fire.

Jackson County Coroner David Whitfield says all of the victims are believed to be from Gwinnett County who were in the van.

Officials say that they will have to use dental records in order to identify the victims.

“Three adults, and five kids ranging from two years old to 16 years old,” Whitefield said.

One of the adults was believed to be pregnant. The names of the family members are being withheld for now.

In all, six vehicles were involved in the crash, including a van for Furkids Animal Rescue, which was transporting 37 cats to a shelter in Vermont.

The group now says 35 of the 37 cats on board have been recovered. The search continues for the two still missing.

Georgia State Patrol investigators are determining whether speed or impairment factored into the crash.

The driver of the tractor trailer is identified as Kane Hammock. He has been charged with eight counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree vehicular feticide, distracted driving, operation of vehicle without current plate, and following too closely.

Despite major damage to the other vehicles involved in the crash, Whitfield says there are no other serious injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now investigating the crash.

WSB Radio’s Graham Carroll contributed to this story.