A tragic multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 40 near the I-75 split in Loudon County claimed the lives of at least two individuals yesterday, causing extensive traffic closures as emergency services responded to the scene, WVLT reported. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the crash, which involved a rollover, occurred around 11 AM and resulted in the complete closure of the interstate's eastbound lanes at mile marker 367 near Buttermilk Road; westbound traffic was also halted but resumed by around 2:15 p.m. after being shut down for several hours.
Lifesaving attempts included a Lifestar helicopter landing to transport a critically injured patient, with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) indicating that several agencies worked "diligently to free an entrapped victim," WBIR relayed. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed. Traffic congestion spread beyond the immediate vicinity as drivers were rerouted to U.S. 321 at exit 364, leading to back-ups, particularly on U.S. 321 South between the interstate ramps.
WATE reported that all lanes were reported to have reopened as of 4:15 PM Monday, following several hours of work by on-scene responders, including the LCSO, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Loudon County Fire/Rescue, Priority Ambulance Service, and additional first responders. TDOT's SmartWay map had previously indicated traffic being diverted to State Route 95 and US-321 during the closures, as eastbound lanes were particularly affected.
