Springfield Man Killed, Child Critically Injured In Head-On Crash

JOELTON, TENNESSEE (Smokey Barn News) – This will be an update to a traffic alert on Whites Creek Pike that Smokey Barn News brought you on Thursday. According to Metro Nashville Police, a 73-year-old Springfield resident lost his life in the crash, and a 7-year-old child was critically injured in the head-on crash.

The crash occurred around 5:20 p.m. on October 29 in the 7900 block of Whites Creek Pike, near Jackman Road, in northern Davidson County.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the deceased driver has been identified as Nicholas J. Mulder, 73, of Springfield, Tennessee.

The preliminary investigation indicates Mulder was traveling northbound in a 2019 Ford Fiesta when, for reasons not yet determined, his vehicle crossed the double yellow centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2015 Ford Escape.

Mulder was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 7-year-old child riding in the Ford Escape sustained critical injuries. The vehicle’s 25-year-old male driver and 26-year-old female front-seat passenger sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening.

All three occupants of the Escape were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

According to police, investigators found no indications of impairment involving either driver. All occupants are believed to have been properly restrained at the time of the collision.

Police have listed failure to maintain lane of travel by Mulder as the preliminary cause of the crash. Authorities have not determined why his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic.

The investigation remains ongoing.