BBBTV12 – HARRIMAN, TN – City officials in Harriman are taking a closer look at traffic safety after a serious accident in the Midtown corridor left a teenager critically injured.

During last week’s city meeting, representatives from the consulting firm Kimley-Horn presented recommendations for improving road safety, particularly in the Midtown area, where heavy traffic and frequent collisions have become a growing concern.

The need for improvements was underscored by a crash that occurred last night at the traffic light near Burger King on Roane State Highway. The accident involved two vehicles and resulted in a 16-year-old female being airlifted via LifeStar to a Knoxville hospital.

According to city officials, the collision happened when the teenager was driving westbound through the intersection. A pickup truck attempting to turn left struck her vehicle in the side, trapping her inside. Emergency crews, including the Roane County Rescue Squad, Harriman Fire Department, and Harriman Police, responded to the scene, working to free her from the wreckage.

Traffic in both directions on Roane State Highway was temporarily shut down to allow LifeStar to land and transport the victim for medical care.

City leaders have acknowledged the importance of improving safety in the area and have initiated a study to evaluate potential changes. However, any improvements may take time to implement.

Officials plan to release more details as the investigation into the crash continues and as safety plans for the corridor take shape.