Fatal Crash Snarls I-24 for Hours Thursday
UPDATE: One lane of I24 is open but the THP is still encouraging motorists to find alternate routes. “Troopers are still on scene as this is a complex investigation.”
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) -Two major crashes on I-24 West early Thursday morning led to hours of delays as officials dealt with multiple injuries and a tractor-trailer fire.
The first crash occurred at 12:27 a.m. at mile marker 18, involving a tractor-trailer and at least five other vehicles, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). LOCATION OF CRASH Upon arrival, officials discovered numerous injured victims and a tractor-trailer engulfed in flames.
The interstate was shut down for the investigation while the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department worked to put out the fire. “It was a very active scene,” said Assistant Chief Trey Nelms with the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department. “Every available firefighter was actively engaged in fighting the fire, dealing with triage, and shuttling water due to the lack of hydrants.”
The tractor-trailer, carrying industrial braking equipment, was engulfed in flames from end to end when firefighters arrived, and by the time the fire was out, there was literally nothing left of the tractor-trailer or the vehicle trapped underneath, officials said. After extinguishing the fire, they found a vehicle underneath the tractor-trailer with a victim inside.
Responding to the scene were the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the Robertson County Emergency Management Agency, Robertson County EMS the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office, and Cheatham County EMS.
In total, four individuals were affected by the crash at mile marker 18: one deceased, one in serious condition, and two in stable condition. All three were transported to area hospitals.

Just as they were getting the fire under control, another two-vehicle crash occurred at mile marker 22, further complicating the situation. The second crash was called in at 3:52 am. Two people were transported non-emergency with non-critical injuries.
The THP is planning to reopen I-24 once the investigations are complete. We have reached out to the THP for more information. Processing the scene will take some time, and it may be days before the victim in the passenger vehicle under the tractor-trailer is identified. The cause of the crash is currently unknown.
According to Lieutenant Bill Miller with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, they are hoping to have the interstate open by noon.