A fatal, multi-car pileup on the I-75 highway in Tennessee has claimed six lives on Thursday. The fiery, nine-vehicle accident, which happened around 7:10 p.m. near the Hamilton County suburb of Ooltewah, also injured at least nine others.
Responding promptly to the scene, The Chattanooga Police Department stated that 15 vehicles were involved in the accident, according to Reuters. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed heavy traffic behind the site of the accident as well.
At 11 p.m., state traffic cameras showed the site of the crash still littered with vehicles. Police and state troopers also continued work in removing the victims from the scene, reports NBC News.
Investigators are working overnight in order to determine the primary cause of the crash. So far, none of the victims who have died because of their injuries have been identified. At least one cargo-carrying semi-trailer was among the vehicles involved.
Due to the deadly accident, the northbound lanes of I-75 have been shut down. The lanes are expected to be closed until at least dawn on Friday, according to The Daily Mail. In the meantime, traffic is being redirected to Old Lee Highway.
Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher has given his condolences and support for all the individuals and families that are and will be affected by the aftermath of the multi-vehicle crash.
"My heart goes out to all individuals involved in this tragic incident. This is one of the worst crashes I've ever seen," he said.