Early on Thursday morning, a fatal crash caused a vehicle to leave Interstate 24 and submerge into the waters of the Red River in Clarksville, Tennessee, leading to at least one confirmed fatality. The Clarksville Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reported that the incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. near mile marker 9 on the westbound lanes. In response to the crash, the THP has closed off a section of the interstate and anticipates it will remain shut down for multiple hours due to the ongoing investigation.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation first alerted commuters to the accident, resulting in the immediate response from recovery crews attempting to reach the submerged vehicle. Traffic has been severely impacted, with diversions in place at Highway 76/Exit 11 as cited by WSMV. The THP, as per Clarksville Now, stated that due to the gravity of the incident, the road's closure will be extended for an extended period, creating significant congestion on the westbound side, with traffic backup reported from mile marker 16 to Exit 11 as of 7:30 a.m.
A spokesperson for the Clarksville Police detailed the timeline of the morning's events, noting how law enforcement was supporting state troopers after the vehicle plunged into the river. Motorists have been advised to seek alternate routes until the roadway can be safely cleared and reopened. According to a WKRN report, the driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
The THP has not yet released additional details regarding the cause of the accident or the identity of the deceased. As the investigation continues, the stretch of I-24 westbound from Exit 11 to Exit 8 remains closed, with local officials urging the public to avoid the area.
