First responders were faced with a tragic series of fatal road traffic accidents across the country on Thanksgiving as more than 55 million people embarked on road trips to reunite with family and friends during the Holiday season.

In the state of Georgia alone, there were a total of 14 reported fatalities on Thursday, as revealed by the State Patrol in a statement released early Friday.

A particularly devastating incident occurred in Colquitt County, Georgia, where five lives were tragically lost when a white Ford van collided head-on with a grey Ram pickup truck. All five individuals who perished were occupants of the van. Four other passengers in the van were swiftly transported to local hospitals in Thomasville and Tallahassee, Florida, via air ambulance. The driver of the pickup truck, though severely injured, survived the collision and was airlifted to a hospital trauma unit.

For the privacy and respect of the victims and their families, Georgia State Patrol refrained from disclosing any names at this time, as the investigation into the incident is still underway.

In another heart-wrenching incident, four individuals lost their lives, and one person sustained injuries in a crash near South Park, California, during the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s statement, the driver of a black BMW M3 lost control while speeding on State Route 94, causing the vehicle to overturn and eject the occupants. Among those involved in the accident were a 26-year-old male driver, a 35-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, and a 20-year-old woman, all of whom sustained major injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. A 22-year-old woman, who had been seated in the front passenger seat and was wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The incident remains under investigation, with the Highway Patrol commissioning a toxicology report from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Authorities are appealing to any witnesses of the crash to come forward with information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, in the Carmichael area of Sacramento County, California, two children suffered serious injuries in a multi-vehicle crash, with seven others also being hurt. The California Highway Patrol, as reported by NBC News affiliate KCRA 3, indicated that one of the vehicles involved ran a red light, although it was yet to be determined which one. It was revealed that one of the cars involved in the accident was a Toyota Corolla, carrying two adults and three unrestrained children at the time of the crash.

Additionally, long lines of traffic congested the roadways in Harford County, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon following a collision involving ten vehicles, which resulted in injuries to two individuals. Both injured parties received medical attention at a local hospital.

Our hearts go out to all those affected by these tragic accidents during this holiday period. Please exercise caution and prioritize safety when traveling on the roads.

As millions of Americans embarked on journeys to celebrate Thanksgiving with their loved ones, several tragic accidents marred the holiday period, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The roadways can be treacherous during peak travel times, highlighting the importance of safe driving practices and vigilance to ensure the well-being of all travelers.