Two tractor trailers wrecked near exit 22 on I-40 just east of the Lakeland exit at 1:27 a.m. today (2.13.19) causing additional pileups of first responders’ vehicles. One person died and four others were injured.
A person on one of the tractor trailers has died, according to Brent Perkins with the Shelby County Fire Department (SCFD). There were two first responders in the SCFD ambulance who were injured, said Mr. Perkins. Both are in good condition. The first has been released from Regional One with no broken bones. The second person required stitches and has a broken wrist and is expected to be released soon, he said.
Two others on the tractor trailers were injured and transported to Regional One, said Mr. Perkins.
The ambulance responding to reports of the tractor trailer crash hit a Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) cruiser and a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) vehicle, according to Mr. Perkins. Both of those vehicles were unoccupied.
Lt. Bill Miller, public information officer with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), confirmed the accidents and said the THP is investigating the crash.
East and westbound traffic were both impacted.
Although the ambulance housed at the fire station in Lakeland was involved in the crash, Mr. Perkins said an identical ambulance is at the station and being equipped for service now. He said the Lakeland area will be thoroughly covered and units from Eads, Bolton and Arlington are also staged and ready for any emergency.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
