Interstate 40 eastbound was completely shut down for nearly two hours on Friday afternoon and evening due to a multi-vehicle accident involving six motorcycles and three other vehicles. The crash occurred around 5:30 PM near mile marker 352, just before the Kingston exit.

Details of the incident remain unclear, but one motorcyclist was airlifted by LifeStar to UT Medical Center in Knoxville in critical condition. Three other individuals were transported to local hospitals, and it’s possible one additional person from an involved car was also injured.

The scale of the accident, involving nine vehicles, required an extended investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), contributing to the prolonged closure of the eastbound lanes. Additionally, LifeStar’s landing on the interstate disrupted westbound traffic for approximately 30 minutes. The THP report, which may take a few days to be released, will provide further details.

The Kingston Fire Department, present at the scene for nearly the entire duration, captured and shared photos of the incident, and their service is greatly appreciated. The Roane County Sheriff’s Department also assisted with traffic control at the scene.