A significant traffic disruption occurred in Kingston this morning following a rear-end collision between two tractor-trailers near the eastbound 353 mile marker around 9:00 a.m. EST. The accident reduced interstate travel to a single lane and caused intermittent periods of complete standstill. One driver sustained injuries serious enough to require emergency transport; they were flown by Lifestar from the Kingston helipad to the UT Medical Center in Knoxville.

As a result of the backup, many motorists diverted off the interstate at the Midtown exit (350), causing heavy congestion along the Highway 70 detour through the city of Kingston. The Kingston Fire Department provided first aid at the crash site and secured the helipad for the medical flight, while the Tennessee Highway Patrol has launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Normal traffic flow resumed once the scene was cleared.