Viral video of rental truck causing human trafficking panic debunked and turns out to be family's move to Alabama

A video circulating online showing people getting out of the back of a moving truck has sparked widespread speculation about human trafficking.

But local authorities in Georgia denied that theory, saying the individuals — two families of eight people in total, including two children — were not in danger. They had simply moved from Alabama to Maryland to find new jobs.

This does not mean that the passengers got away without wearing seat belts.

The driver was cited for allowing passengers to ride in the back without seat belts.

Gwinnett police reported interviewing everyone in the van and eventually taking them to a nearby business to arrange for safer transportation to Maryland.

The video has been viewed millions of times online, with many viewers initially believing the passengers were being trafficked.

Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and listen to him every weekday morning from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.