Truck driver Bruce McAllister of Pine Bluff, AR, wishes he did not have the front-row seat to a grinding crash involving two passenger cars and a truck Saturday afternoon on I-40 just east of the Peavine Rd. exit. The truck involved in the crash was his.
The crash occurred around mid-afternoon in the west lane of I-40 when a black Chevrolet driven by an unidentified driver failed to negotiate a curve, traveled over 100 feet through the median, went airborne a short distance and traveled a bit further traveling east in the west lane before hitting a 2007 Toyota Yaris head-on. The Chevrolet careened off that car and traveled a couple dozen more feet down an embankment before striking a tree and coming to a rest.
The Toyota, which was stopped dead in the right lane by the impact, was then struck in the rear by McAllister's 1999 Peterbilt tractor and trailer.
"Man, I saw him all the way, when he missed the curve," McAllister said after the crash as he surveyed what he estimated to be $10,000 in damage to his tractor trailer rig. "A Hummer had to swerve to miss him. The woman in the white car, there was nothing she could do."
Lorena J. Stephens, 56, of Mt. Juliet, and the driver of the Chevrolet, were taken to Cumberland Medical Center by ambulance.
"He said he didn't know what happened," McAllister said of the driver.
The Toyota received massive damage in the front and the rear but the passenger compartment, where air bags deployed to protect the driver from serious injury.
The report of a head-on crash on I-40 sent emergency ambulance and fire department, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol rushing to the scene. Trooper Ronnie Hale investigated the cause of the wreck, assisted by Trooper David Jones.
It remains unknown the identity of the driver who investigators said caused the wreck. Traffic flow in the west lane was interrrupted for nearly an hour as emergency crews labored at the scene.
It is unknown if any citations were issued.
Area News
Related Photos
Motorists escape serious injury
- Area News
-
-
CCHS names Top Ten for Class of 2012
Abigayle Marie Claflin has earned the top spot in the Cumberland County High School Class of 2012, followed by Taylor Nicole Vaden as the class salutatorian.
-
Health reform law saves $2.1 billion for 3.6 million Americans with Medicare
Nearly 3.6 million people with Medicare saved $2.1 billion on their prescription drugs in 2011 thanks to the Affordable Care Act according to data issued today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Savings for people with Medicare will increase over time.
-
BOE ready to present vision to community
After months of work, the Cumberland County Board of Education approved a revised mission statement, belief statements and vision statements in January and is ready to start presenting the document to the community.
-
Suspect in road rage incident sought
Crossville Police have a getaway vehicle description, a possible tag number and even a suspect's name, but so far have not been able to apprehend the man wanted in connection with a road rage incident that occurred last Tuesday.
-
Water off at Renegade in spite of court order
In spite of a Chancery Court order, at least 84 condominium units and two homes on Renegade Mountain remained without water Monday after the water supply was turned off last Wednesday night.
-
Man facing 20 charges sentenced to seven years
A Cumberland County man who went on a crime spree of burglaries and thefts — racking up 20 charges in the process — entered guilty pleas to several charges in Criminal Court and received a total of seven years in prison.
- Looking Back
-
Schools say thanks to principals Feb. 10
Cumberland County Schools will recognize principals and administrative staff Feb. 10 following a resolution of appreciation by the Cumberland County Board of Education.
-
Phoenix School to get classroom, shop area
The former maintenance facility at the Phoenix School will become a classroom and shop facility for an expanded Career and Technical Education program at the alternative school.
-
Moving dirt
- More Area News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
