Accident Shuts Down Interstate

TDOT Traffic Cam

Travelers on both East and Westbound I-40 found themselves in a traffic quagmire on Monday morning following a traffic accident that effectively shut down the Interstate between Jefferson County and Sevier County. According to information provided by Tennessee Department of Transportation, the incidents are not expected to be cleared until around 2pm, leaving travelers stranded as they waited for relief. The accident in the Westbound lane occurred before 10am and has been reported to involve fatalities. Eastbound traffic was moving slow, reportedly due to rubbernecking and diverting traffic from the Westbound lane.

An eyewitness report cited two vehicles, one appearing to be a dark Cadillac and the other to be a smaller SUV, involved in the accident. The roof of the SUV appeared to have been removed and multiple first responders were on the scene. At noon, Westbound traffic was being diverted to the emergency lane, as all three Westbound lanes were still blocked. According to individuals at the scene, Eastbound traffic was still backed up as far as the eye could see.

Bob Stahlke, Public Information Officer for the City of Sevierville, confirmed the eyewitness account, stating that there has been one adult male fatality. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to University of Tennessee Hospital via Life Star, and the female driver of the small SUV did have to be cut out of the vehicle.