THREE INJURED IN THREE-VEHICLE I-40 WEST CRASH IN ROANE COUNTY
A major traffic delay unfolded Tuesday morning after a multi-vehicle collision involving two semi-trucks and a passenger car shut down Interstate 40 westbound near mile marker 355 for nearly two hours.
Emergency responders, including the Kingston Fire Department, arrived at the scene shortly after the 9:30 a.m. crash. Three people sustained injuries in the impact, prompting two ambulances to respond to the site to provide medical assistance.
The collision caused significant disruption for regional commuters:
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Road Closures: All westbound lanes were blocked while emergency crews worked and tow trucks cleared all three damaged vehicles. At least one westbound lane was eventually reopened.
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Local Traffic Backups: Drivers attempting to bypass the closure diverted off I-40 at Gallaher Road, clogging Highway 70 and causing severe bottlenecks throughout downtown Kingston before reentering the highway.
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Rubbernecking Delays: Eastbound traffic on I-40 also slowed considerably as motorists passed the crash site.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
