A routine drive along Highway 51 in Covington turned into a gasoline-fueled emergency Thursday when a vehicle left the roadway, struck a gas pump and ignited a fire at Midway Market #4. Two bystanders pulled the unconscious driver from the vehicle before the flames could turn a crash into something far worse.
According to Covington police, the driver was identified as 47-year-old Angela Vandiver, who was treated at the scene and transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital–Tipton. She remained in stable condition, while witnesses reported that she may have experienced a medical episode before the crash.
Emergency shutoff helped contain the gas-pump fire
Midway Market employees activated the station’s emergency fuel-pump shutoff, cutting off the fuel source as the vehicle, pumps and canopy burned. Covington firefighters extinguished the fire, while the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and Baptist Priority Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.
A second vehicle was damaged in the crash and fire, and Highway 51 remained closed until responders determined the area was safe. Covington Police Chief Donna Turner thanked the two citizens who pulled Vandiver to safety, while Jeremy Channell said the coordinated response averted a tragedy and saved a life.
Police continue investigating what caused the crash
Investigators have not released a final determination about what led to the vehicle leaving the roadway. Channell advised residents to keep a safe distance from vehicle-and-fuel fires and wait for emergency crews unless immediate action is needed to protect someone’s life.
Anyone with information about the crash can contact the Covington Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-1261 or submit a tip through the department’s public information post or the City of Covington website.
