A tragic incident unfolded on I-275 near Woodland Avenue last night when a white Infiniti crashed after reportedly exceeding speeds of 85 mph. Knoxville Police Department Communications Manager Scott Erland told WVLT News that the crash occurred around 11:35 p.m. The scene began when Knoxville Police officers, conducting traffic enforcement, spotted the speeding vehicle before it drove off the roadway.
Following the crash, all four vehicle occupants were transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. A critical condition has beset a 15-year-old passenger, while the three others have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Erland disclosed to WATE. The driver, 20-year-old Eric Barnes, is now facing charges for his role in the crash.
According to WBIR, the car driven by Barnes left the roadway, crashing through a barrier and plummeting down an embankment, leading to the grievous injuries that ensued. Barnes has been charged with reckless endangerment, with the potential for additional charges as the investigation continues.
