Update, Oct. 24: The driver of a Georgia Department of Corrections van transporting an inmate was distracted and hit the back of another car Wednesday, Oct. 19, on Interstate 985, leading to a five-car wreck, according to a Georgia State Patrol.

The Times obtained the state patrol report from the Wednesday wreck on I-985 that sent eight people to the hospital, though only one had serious injuries.

State patrol said Christopher White, 34, of Cornelia, was driving a Chevrolet Express van with an inmate in transport.

Two other people were in the van, Samantha Irvin, 34, of Clarkesville, and Pamela Jones, 46, whose address is the Lee Arrendale State Prison.

State patrol did not confirm for The Times if Jones was the inmate being transported, only stating in an email that her address was listed as the prison.

According to the report, White was “distracted by other law enforcement activity and was following too closely,” striking the back of Buick.

The Buick then struck the back of a Nissan Rogue, which spun and was hit by the Department of Corrections van.

That second collision for the Nissan caused it to hit the back of a Toyota Prius, which hit the back of a Chevrolet Avalanche.

The Chevrolet Avalanche driver was uninjured. 

The eight drivers and passengers taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville had minor injuries except Jones, who had serious injuries, according to the report.

The Times has reached out to Northeast Georgia Health System officials for a status update on Jones.

State patrol said White was cited for distracted driving and following too closely.

Update: A Georgia Department of Corrections van transporting an inmate hit the back of another car on Interstate 985, causing a five-vehicle crash that injured six, according to authorities.

The state prison van was following too closely as it headed north and hit the back of a Buick Century in the left lane, Georgia State Patrol said.

The collision set off a chain reaction, as the Buick hit the back of a Nissan Altima, which then hit the back of a Toyota Prius. The Prius then struck the rear of a utility trailer being pulled by a Chevrolet Avalanche.

The state prison van also hit the driver’s side of the Nissan.

The crash closed both lanes of I-985 northbound in Oakwood. 

The inmate is believed to be in custody, Georgia State Patrol said. 

State patrol said there were six injuries, including one deemed serious, but the agency did not release any further information.

Update: As of 3 p.m., the northbound lanes had reopened. 

Northbound lanes of Interstate 985 are closed after a crash at exit 16 in Oakwood. 

The Times has reached out to authorities for more information on the crash.