One person is dead after a multi-car crash on I-16 eastbound Saturday morning.
The Twiggs County Sheriff's Office says it happened around 5:45 a.m.
Authorities say 8 cars were involved.
One person was killed in the crash and 6 others were sent to the hospital.
All lanes of the highway are back open, but Sgt. Bert Clifton with the Georgia State Patrol says that was not the case earlier.
"The whole interstate eastbound shut down, so we was dumping everybody, with the assistance of the DOT CHAMPS unit and the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office, dumping them off Exit 18, routing them around and getting them back on the interstate eastbound," said Clifton.
Many people will be hitting the highway to travel for Labor Day weekend. Sergeant Clifton says it's important to stay alert.
"Wear your seat belt, slow down, don't be distracted, don't be texting and driving, and give plenty of time to get to where you're going. Nothing's worth getting into a crash and not making it to your destination," Clifton said.
The Twiggs County Sheriff's Department is still investigating the exact cause of the crash.
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UPDATE:
One person is dead after an accident involving 8 cars on Interstate 16 at around 5:45 a.m. Saturday.
6 people were taken to the hospital as a result of the crash. Georgia State troopers on the scene say they are not sure if the accident was alcohol-related.
Both lanes of traffic have been reopened.
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The Georgia Department of Transportation says there is a traffic incident at Bullard Road in Twiggs County.
Twiggs County Dispatch says they think the interstate will be shut down for awhile. It would be advisable to find an alternate route Saturday morning.
We have a crew on the way and will bring you more information as it becomes available.