Gainesville 5-car crash kills 3

Gainesville police are investigating a five-vehicle crash that killed at least three people early Friday moing.

”At this time, we do have three reported fatalities, however that number may grow as we continue the investigation, Corp. Kevin Holbrook said.

The crash happened just after midnight on Highway 365 near Howard Road.

The wreckage included a crumbled and twisted car and an overtued tractor-trailer atop a pickup truck and a smashed Jeep.

”There were not that many witnesses available, so we are still working, trying to determine who was at fault and how this accident did occur, Holbrook said.

Police said at least eight other people were injured and rushed to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Their injuries range from serious to critical.

”As a result of the accident, there were other accidents that were caused trying to avoid it, Holbrook said.

Once police clear the wreckage, a hazmat team will have to mop up the mess of an oil spill.

Southbound lanes of 365 are open, but northbound drivers will be directed around the race track, which will put them beyond the accident.