I-40 East reopens following crash, 3 taken to hospital

LOUDON CO., Tenn. (WVLT) - An overturned vehicle caused congestion on both directions of I-40 in Loudon Co. Sunday.

TDOT reported an overturned vehicle at mile marker 366 near Buttermilk Road.

A semi-truck was involved in the crash and three people were injured injured, according to officials with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. A possible fuel spill was also reported.

LCSO Chief Deputy Zac Frye told WVLT News the driver of the truck was being airlifted to UTMC.

Two passengers in another car, one juvenile male and one female, were transported to a local hospital, according to Frye.

All three had non-life-threatening injuries.

A spokesperson with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Mark Nagi, said I-40 East would be closed for an extended time.

“This will be a lengthy closure on I-40 East at MM 364 in Loudon County following a multi-vehicle crash involving a commercial vehicle at MM 366,” Nagi said. “Traffic diversion is in place at MM 364.”

After more than seven hours, the interstate reopened to traffic.

Nagi said the truck was carrying 42,000 pounds of frozen lasagna.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol also responded to the crash.

This is a developing story.

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