News Summary
Traffic on I-640 in Knoxville faced significant delays due to multiple crashes on Tuesday afternoon. A semi-truck jackknifed and another car accident occurred, causing backups exceeding a mile. Injuries were reported, with one person sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries and another potentially life-threatening injuries. Authorities are investigating the incidents while emphasizing traffic safety to prevent future accidents.
Knoxville Traffic Delayed by Multiple Crashes on I-640
Traffic on Interstate 640 in Knoxville was significantly delayed following multiple crashes that took place on Tuesday afternoon. The incidents occurred around 3:25 p.m. near the North Broadway exit, causing backups of over a mile on both eastbound and westbound sides of the interstate.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported the crashes around mile marker 5, where a semi-truck had jackknifed across the eastbound lane. Additionally, a separate accident involved a car that crashed on the westbound side of the interstate. As a result, eastbound traffic was congested past the I-275 interchange, while westbound traffic was backed up to Washington Pike.
Injuries Reported
According to the Knoxville Police Department (KPD), the crashes resulted in injuries to at least two individuals. One person sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while another involved in the incidents suffered potentially life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, a child who was present in the back seat of the car involved in the crash was uninjured.
As new information became available, it was clarified that the crash involved a single car. The driver of this vehicle was reported to have sustained serious injuries that were not life-threatening, whereas the passenger in the same vehicle experienced possible life-threatening injuries. Initial investigations suggest that speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and gathering further details regarding the incidents. As traffic was restored over time, the situation has caused significant disruptions for motorists in the area. Emergency services responded promptly, aiming to manage the scene and provide assistance to those affected by the accidents.
Background Information
Accidents on busy interstates such as I-640 are not uncommon, especially during peak travel times. The Tennessee Department of Transportation routinely monitors traffic flow through its Smartway cameras, providing real-time updates on road conditions and incidents. Traffic jams often lead to delays and can pose additional hazards as drivers navigate through congested areas.
Traffic safety measures encourage motorists to drive cautiously and adhere to speed limits, particularly in zones with heavy vehicle flow. The crashes on I-640 serve as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Brush Fire Causes Evacuations in Kaanapali, Maui
Knoxville Leaders Seek Input on Bicycle Facilities Improvements
Ghislaine Maxwell Transferred to Minimum-Security Prison in Texas
Knoxville Police Conduct Two-Day Operation Against Property Crime
Giuffre Family Seeks Clarity After Trump’s Epstein Comments
Flash Flooding Causes Major Disruptions in Queens
Knoxville City Council Approves $19 Million Road Improvement Project
Severe Flash Flooding Hits Knoxville Amid Torrential Rain
Hardin Valley Event Center Opens with Farmers Market
Remembering Retired Knoxville Police Officer Norman Rickman
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Traffic Delayed by Multiple Crashes on I-640
- Knox News: I-75 Closed in Both Directions
- WBIR: Person Killed in Car Crash at Nursing Home
- WATE: Car Crashes into Domino’s on Broadway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
