An early morning collision on Smithville Highway in DeKalb County has resulted in the hospitalization of three individuals and the death of a fourth, according to local reports. At approximately 2:30 a.m. Saturday, first responders arrived at the scene where two vehicles collided head-on near the county line. WSMV reported that the DeKalb County Fire Department encountered a fiery scene with one vehicle ablaze and the driver trapped inside.
With one occupant found outside the burning vehicle, DeKalb County deputies used fire extinguishers to manage the fire until firefighters could reach the scene. Sadly, while extinguishing the fire, containing another person inside the second vehicle was reported to have been "severely" pinned, as WKRN detailed. Extrication efforts were made by the DeKalb County Fire Department's unit, with mutual aid from Putnam County Rescue.
Among the victims was 21-year-old Idan Alberto Estudillo Gutierrez, who lost his life in the accident. According to WJLE, Gutierrez crossed the double yellow center line while navigating a curve and collided with a 2024 GMC Terrain driven by 60-year-old Jama Martin. The impact left Martin's vehicle resting against a guardrail and Gutierrez's stopped in the roadway.
Two children, ages 10 and 6, who were passengers in Martin's car, were also injured in the crash and transported by EMS to Cookeville Regional Medical Center. In a tragic detail, neither driver was wearing a seatbelt during the event of the collision. The medical conditions of the surviving victims have not been released to the public as of now. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, along with DeKalb's various emergency services, were also present providing aid and investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, as per WJLE.
