A tractor-trailer accident  on I-40 this morning left traffic jammed for hours. 2009 Peterbilt pulling a tanker operated by 34-year-old Justin Tabor of Crossville was westbound at the 331 mile marker when he lost control, struck the guardrail, went over and came to rest on its side. The tanker was hauling approximately 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel which began spilling onto the interstate and median. The interstate was closed for 9 hours while crews cleaned the area and traffic was rerouted off the Westel Road exit to Highway 70 then to Crab Orchard to resume on I-40. Tabor, who was restrained, was charged with failure to exercise due care. No injuries were reported. The section of the interstate was closed from around 3 a.m. until around 1 p.m. central.

This was one of at least three accidents in Cumberland County today.

The second took place early this morning on the 400 block of Sparta Drive when a motorist ran off the road and hit a tree. The driver was taken to Cumberland Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

The third happened on Highway 68 at Cox Valley Road when an automobile ran off the road. The roadway was closed for a short time as the wreckage was pulled up from down an embankment and towed away.

Accident reports on these crashes, including the names of those involved, is expected to be available by Monday, November 16, 2020.