Mother and Four Children Killed in Fiery Crash in McIntosh County

Tragedy struck on April 6 along the busy I-95 corridor in McIntosh County, Georgia. A mother and her four children were killed in a devastating crash when their Jeep Cherokee collided with another vehicle and burst into flames. The family was headed to Florida when the accident happened.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, based in Savannah and Atlanta, we represent families all over the state and in the Southeast who have suffered this type of unimaginable loss due to dangerous vehicle defects and preventable collisions. This terrible accident raises serious concerns – not just about what went wrong that day on I-95, but also about whether it could have been prevented.

What happened?

Per Savannah Now:

The driver of a Jeep Cherokee was traveling south, near mile marker 62, when it rear ended an Infiniti sedan at about 6 a.m., according to Georgia State Patrol Trooper Christopher Ashdown. The vehicle veered into the left lane, striking a guard rail and then burst into flames. The driver, Reagan Dougan, 27, was traveling with her children ages 3 months; 2, 4 and 9 years old.  Ashdown declined to release the names of the children.

Ashdown said the Jeep Cherokee was a rental from Raleigh, N.C., and the family was en route to an unknown location in Florida.  Ashdown was unable to provide where Dougan and the children resided.

The driver of the Infiniti, who has not been identified, was transported to a hospital in Brunswick with injuries that were not life-threatening, Ashdown said.

Despite the efforts of good Samaritans and first responders, all five family members were tragically killed in the accident.

Jeep Cherokees and fuel-fed fires

This is not the Jeep Cherokee’s first involvement in a deadly fire-related crash. In fact, fuel-fed fires in Jeeps – especially in older or recalled models – have been an ongoing safety concern for more than a decade.

The design of the fuel tank in many Jeep models has been criticized by safety advocates, engineers, and even former auto executives. Some Jeep Cherokees and Grand Cherokees have their fuel tanks placed behind the rear axle, which is a highly vulnerable area in rear-end collisions.

What does this mean? Even a relatively moderate crash can rupture the fuel tank or its components, leading to a rapid release of fuel and, in many cases, an instant fire. When this happens, passengers inside the vehicle only have seconds – or no time at all – to escape.

While we’re unsure of the make and model year of the Jeep involved in this crash, the risk of a fire in a collision should never be underestimated, especially when it involves families traveling with their young children.

Was this a preventable tragedy?

Over the years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated numerous fire-related deaths linked to Jeep vehicles. In 2013, Fiat Chrysler recalled more than 1.5 million Jeep vehicles to address concerns about fuel tank placement. Their solution? A trailer hitch retrofit intended to reduce the risk of fire in low-speed rear-end collisions. Many safety experts argued that this wasn’t enough.

In recent years, other recalls have targeted fire risks in newer Jeep Cherokees due to electrical issues, faulty wiring, and leaking fuel systems. In 2023, the carmaker issued a recall of nearly 220,000 Jeep Cherokees because of a defect in the power liftgate module that could lead to fires, even when the engine was turned off.

These recalls show that Jeep Cherokee fire risks are not just a past problem – they remain a present-day danger.

What makes fuel-fed fires so dangerous?

A fire is among the most terrifying outcomes of a vehicle crash. This is because:

• They spread quickly. In some cases, the fire can start within seconds of the collision.
• If the doors are jammed or airbags have been deployed, occupants may not be able to exit in time.
• Car seats can delay exit, and young children may not be able to unbuckle themselves.

If a car manufacturer knows that their vehicles are at risk of fire, they have a legal – and moral – responsibility to take immediate action. They should warn the public, issue recalls, and provide proper repairs. If they fail to do so, they can and should be held accountable.

How Harris Lowry Manton LLP can help your family

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we understand car accident and defective auto parts cases. We’ve handled many cases involving vehicle fires, fatal crashes, and unsafe designs. When you work with us, we can:

• Investigate the cause of the crash. We answer questions like, was there a defect in the vehicle? Did a recalled part fail? Was the fuel system poorly designed?
• Preserve and analyze evidence. We work with fire experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and engineers to find out what went wrong.
• Hold the right companies accountable. Whether the automaker, a rental company, or another party is responsible, we build strong cases on behalf of our clients.
• Provide compassionate support. We know that your family is grieving. Our goal is to take the legal burdens off your shoulders while you focus on healing.

What you can do now

If you or someone you love has been injured in a similar situation – or if you own a Jeep Cherokee and are worried about the risk of fire – here are a few things you can do right away.

• Use the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool to see if your Jeep has any open recalls.
• If you’ve been in an accident, don’t forget to request the police report, fire report, and any insurance documentation.
• If the vehicle still exists, don’t let it get scrapped or destroyed. It may hold important evidence.

Then, talk to the experienced attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP. We can walk you through your rights and help protect your best interests from the start of the legal process.

Harris Lowry Manton is here to help

Although this tragedy happened in Georgia, the family was traveling from North Carolina to Florida. The I-95 corridor is one of the busiest roads in the Southeast, with thousands of families traveling for vacations, holidays, or to see loved ones.

If you were in a car accident, Harris Lowry Manton LLP can help you pursue justice. We practice across the Southeast and work closely with co-counsel when needed to serve clients nationwide.

We can only imagine the grief of the surviving family members of the Dougan family. Regan Dougan and her four children had their whole lives ahead of them. Nobody expects that a simple road trip could end in tragedy and heartbreak. Our hearts are with the Dougan family and everyone else affected by this incident.

If Harris Lowry Manton LLP can help your family after a similar loss, please contact us today. We’re here to fight for answers, accountability, and change so that no other family has to suffer the same fate. With no upfront fees and experienced support at every step, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Please call or use our contact form to schedule a consultation at our offices in Atlanta or Savannah.