TWO DRIVERS CHARGED AFTER TRACTOR-TRAILER CRASH SHUTS DOWN I-40 WEST IN ROANE COUNTY
New details were released today on the multi-vehicle crash on I-40 in Roane County from last week. The crash involved two tractor-trailers and shut down the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 in Roane County for nearly three hours on Tuesday, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. near mile marker 355 as traffic was becoming congested.
According to a preliminary THP report:
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Paul Mendez, 41, of Indiana, was slowing his tractor-trailer in response to the traffic when his vehicle was rear-ended by another semi-truck driven by Zoran Galic, 48, of Illinois.
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The collision forced the closure of all westbound lanes, causing significant travel delays until the interstate fully reopened at approximately 1 p.m., according to Mark Nagi with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Both drivers, along with a passenger in Mendez’s truck, sustained injuries in the crash. Following the investigation, authorities charged Galic with following too closely, while Mendez was charged with driving on a suspended license.
No further details have been released at this time.
