Seven people have been killed after an animal rescue van was struck by a lorry.
Investigators believe a semi-trailer following too closely hit the back of the Dodge van, triggering a chain reaction involving four more vehicles.
Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelter confirmed late on Monday (13 October) that one of its transport vehicles was involved, as reported by Need To Know.
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It was carrying 37 cats to one of its partner shelters.
The organisation said in a statement on Facebook: “We are devastated for the families affected, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them.
“Many others are injured, including our driver.
“In the chaos of the wreckage, cages were crushed, and cats began to flee.
“Thirty two cats are currently accounted for – and our team is on site to attempt to recover the five missing cats.”
Troopers said the horror crash happened at about 4:11pm in Jackson County, Missouri, US.
The van, travelling from Atlanta to Vermont, caught fire and all seven people inside were pronounced dead at the scene.
All northbound lanes of I-85 were closed for several hours, with traffic diverted to Exit 140.
Authorities have not revealed what caused the lorry to hit the van, or whether speed or impairment played a role.
Investigations are ongoing, and officials have yet to release the names, ages or hometowns of the victims.
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