The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a serious accident near the Smith/Putnam County line at the 269 westbound mile marker of I-40.

According to preliminary information from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a 1997 Freightliner tractor-trailer operated by 67-year-old Roy Brown of Tennessee was traveling east when it crossed the median and into the westbound lanes. Brown collided with a 2021 Honda Passport driven by 49-year-old Tammy Pletcher of Tennessee and a 2004 Volvo tractor-trailer operated by 42-year-old Cesar Adrian Duran Gonzales of Mexico.

Brown was flown to a trauma center. Gonzales and Pletcher were injured in the crash. A passenger in the Passport, 60-year-old Cheryl Middlebrooks, sustained injuries.

Both westbound lanes of I-40 were closed for hours. Officials set up a detour at the Buffalo Valley Road/Center Hill Dam exit.

Troopers say charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Picture used in this story by SCRS.