According to authorities, two people were killed and one was injured in a collision involving two tractor-trailers on Dec. 2 in Nashville on Interstate 24. The collision occurred just after 5 a.m. when one of the tractor-trailers that was heading eastbound crossed over the grass median, slamming into a FedEx truck. The crash caused both vehicles to burst into flames, killing both drivers on westbound Interstate 24 just north of downtown Nashville.
The 29-year-old driver who crossed over the median collided with the 59-year-old FedEx driver who was traveling westbound; authorities have released the names of both drivers but will seek positive identification through dental records due to severe burns. The crash also involved a BMW sedan. The 29-year-old driver of that vehicle had just returned from serving in Afghanistan. He suffered minor injuries and was treated at Skyline Medical Center.
Police closed both lanes of I-24 at mile marker 44 for several hours and reopened the interstate just before 10 p.m. Tuesday. Authorities said there was no indication of alcohol or drug involvement at the scene. However, they are still investigating what initially caused the truck to cross over the median.
In a case like this, it could be possible that negligence was a factor in the accident. For example, if the driver was experiencing fatigue due to working long hours during his shift, it could be determined that he was inattentive behind the wheel. It could also be possible that the truck he was driving had not been properly maintained or that it had defective auto parts. Whenever truck accidents occur the companies that employed the drivers will most likely work closely with police while the investigation is ongoing.
Source: WRCB, “2 killed in fiery crash on I-24 W; interstate now open“, Kara Apel, December 03, 2014
