Knox County, TN (September 30, 2025) – A chain-reaction crash on Interstate 75 northbound involving a semi-truck and multiple vehicles left several people injured Tuesday afternoon, including at least two children, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 2:37 p.m. near Beaver Creek Drive as traffic slowed due to congestion. Authorities reported that a semi-truck traveling north struck an SUV from behind, pushing the SUV into the vehicle in front of it. The truck then continued forward, colliding with two additional vehicles before coming to a stop across several lanes of traffic.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol noted that all the vehicles struck by the semi had been stopped in traffic at the time of impact. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured, but the drivers of the SUV and other passenger vehicles were hurt. Several passengers, including at least two children, also sustained injuries.
Emergency medical personnel responded promptly, treating the injured and arranging transport to nearby hospitals.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) closed all northbound lanes of I-75 in the area, diverting traffic to Exit 110, where it is directed to Callahan Drive. By 3:40 p.m., one lane had reopened, but traffic cameras showed heavy backups stretching for miles.
Investigation: Authorities reported that the semi-truck had been following too closely, a common cause of rear-end collisions, especially in congested traffic conditions.
Investigators are expected to examine factors such as the truck’s speed, braking distance, and the driver’s attentiveness at the time of the crash. The vehicle’s electronic logging device (ELD) and onboard “black box” may provide critical data on speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the collision.
In addition to mechanical inspections of the truck, officers will consider whether weather or roadway conditions contributed to the severity of the crash. Witness accounts and footage from traffic cameras may also aid in reconstructing the sequence of events.
Legal Considerations: Following too closely in heavy traffic is particularly dangerous, as it leaves little time or space to stop safely.
If investigators confirm that the truck driver’s negligence caused the chain-reaction crash, those injured may be able to seek compensation through personal injury claims. Such claims can cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering.
My thoughts are with all who were injured in this accident. I wish them a full recovery.
Source: 10 News WBIR