Eight people were killed Monday afternoon in a fiery crash on Interstate 85 when a semi-trailer truck slammed into a van, causing it to burst into flames, according to Georgia law enforcement officials.

The collision happened in Jackson County, about 62 miles northeast of Atlanta. Investigators say the semi-trailer was following too closely behind a Dodge van when it struck the vehicle, causing it to burst into flames. All eight people in the van died at the scene.

Deputy Jackson County Coroner Dean Stringer said Tuesday that an eighth body was found at the site of the collision.

Four other vehicles were also involved in what officials described as a "chain reaction" following the initial impact.

The crash remains under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol's Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team. The victims' names have not yet been released.

One of the vehicles involved in the collision was a van belonging to Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters, a nonprofit organization based in Georgia. In a statement, the group said it was transporting 37 cats to a partner shelter in Vermont when the deadly crash occurred just 90 minutes after departure.

"Today, we experienced a heartbreaking tragedy," the organization said. "While transporting 37 cats to a partner shelter in Vermont, just 90 minutes after departure, our van was involved in a severe multi-car accident resulting in loss of life. We are devastated for the families affected, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them."

Furkids said several people were injured, including their driver. In the chaos, some of the cages were crushed, and cats escaped into the wreckage. As of Monday evening, 32 cats had been accounted for, and the organization stated that efforts were underway to recover the five remaining missing cats.

The rescue group said it was conducting triage on the surviving cats to assess their injuries and provide needed medical care.

"We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of both our staff and the animals in our care," the statement read. "We ask for your thoughts and prayers for those impacted, the families affected, and for the safe recovery of our missing cats. This is a tragic day, and our thoughts are with all who are grieving."