A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 South caused major disruptions near Lenoir City today. The Loudon County Sheriff's Office reported that the incident occurred at mile marker 75, leading to injuries and trapping at least one person. As a result of the accident, a significant portion of the interstate was temporarily shut down, according to information from the WVLT.
Earlier today, per an update from the Loudon County Sheriff‘s Office’s Cody Bengel, I-75 South went down to one lane in the vicinity of the crash. The Loudon County Sheriff's Office had to completely close off the interstate for around 20 minutes to swiftly manage the emergency.
Despite the fast action, the Tennessee Department of Transportation later indicated that traffic was restricted to one lane at 8:30 a.m., as seen in a statement obtained by WVLT.
The collision near the Sugarlimb Road exit prompted an extensive emergency response. Teams from the Loudon County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Loudon County Fire/Rescue, Loudon Fire Department, and Priority Ambulance attended the scene to provide assistance and clear the wreckage. As shared by the WATE report, it was unclear how long it would take for the scene to be completely cleared.
Observers were urged to avoid the area or expect delays as the response efforts were ongoing. Through a social media post, the Loudon County Sheriff's Office alerted the public to the seriousness of the situation, stating, "I- 75 has been completely shut down." This notification aimed to quickly inform travelers potentially caught in the unforeseen disruption, and is indicative of the broader push to urgently manage the emergency.
Details on the conditions of the injured were not immediately available, and no further updates on the reopening of the lanes followed within the initial announcement period, according to a WATE communication.
