THP: I-81 crash led to tractor-trailer overturning

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A tractor-trailer overturned in the median of Interstate 81 in Sullivan County Thursday morning after a previous crash stalled traffic in the area, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reports.

According to the THP, the first crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. on I-81 North near mile marker 55.

A crash report from the highway patrol states traffic was slowed in the area and all the vehicles involved were using their brakes. A 2023 Isuzu NPR did not stop in time and reportedly rear-ended a pickup truck in front of it.

The crash caused a chain reaction of vehicles hitting one another, according to the crash report.

No injuries were reported, and the driver of the Isuzu was issued a warning for following too closely.

A short time later, around 11:44 a.m., a Volvo tractor-trailer was heading north on the interstate. The driver told THP trooper that he drove around a curve and came upon stopped traffic in all lanes. The driver reportedly tried to avoid hitting other vehicles by steering toward the left shoulder.

The tractor-trailer driver reportedly had to drive further onto the shoulder, which caused the vehicle to overturn onto its side in the median.

The driver of the tractor-trailer appeared to have minor injuries but declined medical transport, according to THP.

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