2 people dead after fiery 6 vehicle crash at Georgia Welcome Center

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia State Patrol and multiple local emergency service agencies responded to the scene of a six vehicle collision at the Georgia Welcome Center Wednesday night that left two people dead.

Georgia State Patrol (GSP) says five 18-wheelers and a truck hauling a camper were involved in this accident, and that it was all caused by a speeding 18-wheeler.

GSP says Charles Steven, of Jacksonville, Fla., was one of the two people killed.

GSP confirms an 18-wheeler was driving at a high rate of speed in the rear parking lot area when it hit another 18-wheeler. This caused an accordion effect with four more vehicles being hit.

According to GSP, all vehicles involved then caught fire. The drivers of the other four vehicles were able to escape without injury. The driver of the second 18-wheeler was suspected to be asleep at the time of the crash and has been pronounced dead.

The driver of the first 18-wheeler was also pronounced dead. GSP says it is unknown if the driver suffered a medical condition before causing the wreck.

WTOC was told one of the tractor trailers was carrying furniture and the other was carrying tires, making it more difficult to fight the fire.