Hamilton County, TN (May 12, 2025) — Two people were killed and at least eight others injured in a seven-vehicle collision on I-75 northbound Sunday afternoon near the Tennessee Welcome Center. Authorities have arrested 65-year-old Joseph Antoinier of Boynton Beach, Florida, who was driving the semi-truck involved in the crash.
Incident Details: The collision occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. on May 11. East Ridge Police responded to reports of a significant crash with entrapment involving six passenger vehicles and a semi-truck. A white Jeep and a white Ford pickup truck were found fully engulfed in flames, and both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Three passengers in the Jeep, a woman with facial lacerations, her 7-year-old daughter with burns to her leg, and an 18-month-old child with severe burns, were extricated by fire personnel and transported to Erlanger Hospital. In total, eight individuals were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: According to investigators, witnesses reported the semi-truck was driving erratically, weaving between lanes and traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash. Surveillance footage confirmed that Antoinier failed to brake as traffic slowed, resulting in a deadly chain-reaction collision. East Ridge Police have charged Antoinier with two counts of reckless homicide, three counts of reckless aggravated assault, and seven counts of felony reckless endangerment.
The surviving victims, particularly the children and their mother, may have grounds for personal injury claims to cover the extensive physical and emotional trauma. The families of the deceased may also pursue wrongful death lawsuits for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and loss of financial support.
I extend my condolences to the families mourning their loved ones and hope for healing and recovery for the injured survivors.
Source: The Chattanoogan