Four people were confirmed dead as a result of a Sunday afternoon, five-vehicle accident on Bobby Jones Expressway that might have resulted from racing, authorities said.

Richmond County Coroner Grover Tuten described the accident as "one of the worst wrecks I've seen in 30 years."

Among the dead were Gloria Lewis, 37, and Tyroneesha Lewis, 12, both of the Burke County town of Midville, Ga. Two other women with the last name Lewis were also in the small Kia coupe. They were in critical condition and on life support at Medical College of Georgia Hospital, Richmond County Deputy Coroner Charlena Graham said.

The names of the two other people killed were being withheld until family members were notified, but Mr. Tuten said they were Augusta residents.

The accident occurred at about 5 p.m., when a red and white pickup speeding east on Bobby Jones crossed the median into the westbound lanes, Mr. Tuten said.

The driver of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo told police that he and the pickup's driver were racing in the eastbound lanes when the truck flipped over the median into westbound lanes and struck the Kia head-on, Mr. Tuten said.

The pickup's driver died after an hourlong emergency extrication procedure, Mr. Tuten said.

"His body reeked of alcohol as we unloaded him," he said.

A female passenger in the pickup was killed when she was ejected from the truck and run over by another vehicle, Mr. Tuten said.

He said the pickup's driver is at fault.

Mr. Tuten said the Monte Carlo's driver helped police piece together how the accident occurred. Still, the unidentified Monte Carlo driver could face charges, Mr. Tuten said.

He was detained at the Richmond County jail Sunday night, but no charges had been filed.

"Fortunately, he stopped after seeing the pickup cross the median. He did stop and try to help," Mr. Tuten said.

A Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevrolet Blazer were also involved, Mr. Tuten said. It was not known whether any of the occupants were injured.

The accident closed Bobby Jones Expressway between the Deans Bridge Road and Gordon Highway exits for several hours.

Police said several other accidents and fender-benders involving onlookers and rubber-neckers occurred along Bobby Jones after the fatal accident.

Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.