Hamilton County, TN (May 11, 2025) — A multi-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck and six passenger vehicles left at least two people dead and several others injured, including a child, on Sunday evening near the Tennessee Welcome Center on I-75 North, according to the East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) and Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 5:20 p.m. near mile marker 0.8, just before the Ringgold Road exit. Authorities confirmed that seven vehicles, including an 18-wheeler, were involved. Two of the passenger vehicles caught fire, prompting an urgent response from emergency personnel who worked to extract those trapped inside. Several individuals, including a minor, were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries.
East Ridge Police confirmed “multiple fatalities,” and by Monday afternoon, Police Chief Clint Uselton announced that two people were killed. The victims’ identities have not yet been released. The crash shut down all northbound lanes of I-75 for several hours as crews worked into the night to clear the wreckage.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: East Ridge Police confirmed that the semi-truck driver, 65-year-old Joseph Antoinier, now faces more than a dozen charges, including two counts of reckless homicide and multiple felony counts of reckless endangerment and aggravated assault. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash, including whether speed, driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or other negligent factors contributed.
Depending on investigative findings, families of the deceased and injured may have grounds to file wrongful death or personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
I extend condolences to the families affected and hope for a full recovery for those injured.
Source: NewsChannel 9