CALHOUN, Ga. — Authorities have identified three people killed in a devastating six-vehicle crash that occurred on Tuesday, May 13 on Interstate 75 between Calhoun and Adairsville.

According to the Gordon County Coroner's Office, the deceased are:

• William West, 50, of Lafayette, Georgia

• Christopher Powell, 23, of Okeechobee, Florida

• A third individual, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification.

The fiery crash began when a tractor-trailer traveling northbound on I-75 collided with a Hyundai Sonata near mile marker 308, causing the semi to cross the median into southbound traffic. It then crashed head-on into two other tractor-trailers and two passenger vehicles — a Toyota Corolla and a Ford Ranger. The Ranger caught fire following the collision.

In total, six vehicles were involved. Two other individuals were hospitalized with injuries, though their conditions have not been updated.

Georgia State Patrol (GSP) is continuing to investigate the cause of the initial collision. At this time, the cause of the crash remains unknown.

All southbound lanes were closed for hours, with the left lanes reopening by midday, and the final right lane cleared later in the afternoon, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

“The Gordon County Coroner's Office will continue to support the Georgia State Patrol as the investigation continues,” said Coroner Nick Blalock.

This tragic incident remains under active investigation.