A multi-vehicle crash occurred around 9:00 p.m. Thursday night on Interstate 40, in the westbound lanes between the Kingston on-ramp (Exit 352) and the Clinch River bridge. The incident prompted three ambulances to respond to the scene, along with the launch of LifeStar to airlift one patient from the Roane Medical Center helipad.

According to 911 dispatch and LifeStar radio transmissions with EMS units, the airlift patient was a 26-year-old female who was 24 weeks pregnant; she was flown to UT Medical Center in Knoxville. Two additional patients were transported by ground to the same facility.

The crash involved several vehicles and appears to have been triggered by traffic congestion and lane shifting. A one-lane restriction was in place just after the Kingston westbound on-ramp, with traffic being moved into the right lane due to ongoing guardrail repair work believed to be near the Midtown exit. This setup caused vehicles to slow and shift, ultimately leading to the collision.

Traffic was completely shut down for a period while first responders assessed and extricated patients, and wreckers cleared the roadway. Kingston fire personnel were among the first responders on scene, and we appreciate the photos they shared from the incident.

Further details, including any official findings, will be provided once the Tennessee Highway Patrol report is finalized.