KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Two people were injured in a crash that involved an overturned semi-truck and closed Interstate 81 northbound in Hamblen County for several hours.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s preliminary report said a Kia Soul and a Freightliner Semi-Truck were going north on I-81 near mile marker 14. THP said the Kia was in the right lane when one of its tires blew out, causing a loss of control. The car hit the semi-truck, which was in the left lane, and the guardrail on the right shoulder. THP said it then bounced back into the semi-truck, which rolled onto its side. The semi-truck came to a rest in the median, and the Kia stopped in the roadway.
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The driver and one of the passengers of the Kia are listed as injured in the report. THP added that one of the two injured was taken by UT Lifestar to UT Med Center.
Photos and video from the incident show a UT Lifestar helicopter responding to a semi truck on its side.
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Find live traffic conditions: TDOT Smartway Map
The overturned vehicle was first reported on the TDOT Smartway map at 10:49 a.m. on Tuesday. The interstate was closed at mile marker 14, which is close to the exits onto Fish Hatchery Road and TN-160. Drivers were urged to use caution in the area…