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A multi-vehicle accident occurred Saturday, June 19, around 2:30 p.m. at the 138-mile marker in Butler County has claimed the lives of nine children and one adult.

Emergency management personnel were brought in from surrounding areas to help assist.  A total of 17 vehicles were involved in the crash, including two 18-wheeler trucks. A fire consumed seven of the vehicles and were already ablaze when officials arrived on the scene. The interstate was closed for the majority of the day and night while investigators and law enforcement pieced together what caused the accident and cleaned up debris

“Investigating fatal crashes is one of the most difficult responsibilities of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency,” ALEA’s Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor said. “Yesterday, was an extremely heartbreaking day for the state of Alabama as 10 lives were tragically lost in one horrific event. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the friends and families of loved ones lost in Saturday’s terrible crash, as well as my gratitude to all of the first responders and volunteers who quickly and valiantly responded to the scene. It was a difficult and unimaginable scene for many, and our thoughts and prayers are with all involved as we continue to investigate and provide closure for those affected.”

Cody Fox, 29, of New Hope, Tenn., and his nine-month-old daughter were pronounced dead at the scene. The Tallapoosa Girls Ranch lost eight children in the accident, a 3-year-old, 8-year-old, 12-year-old, 14-year-old, 15-year-old, two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old. They were all from Ala. and were pronounced dead on the scene. They posted the following on social media:

“Our hearts are heavy today. Our ranch has suffered great loss. As some of you may have heard, one of our ranch vehicles was involved a multiple car accident this afternoon. Please send prayers our way as we navigate this difficult time. We will update information as we are able, and if you have any questions feel free to contact us. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and respecting the privacy of our large and extended families.”

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is asking anyone with video or photos of the crash that occurred to please submit them to media.relations@alea.gov or share via social media @aleaprotects.