HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — MONDAY NOON UPDATE:
East Ridge Police Chief Clint Uselton confirms that truck driver involved in Sunday’s deadly and fiery crash now faces charges.
Chief Uselton confirmed to us that 2 people died in the crash. We continue to work to learn more about the victims, including how many people were injured.
Online records show 65-year-old Joseph Antoinier faces more than a dozen charges, including 2 counts of reckless homicide and several counts of felony reckless endangerment and reckless aggravated assault.
As of noon Monday, we still do not know from police exactly how many people died, nor how many were hurt.
Chief Uselton says he will be providing an update with more information at 1 p.m. Monday.
Depend on us to keep you posted.
MONDAY MORNING UPDATE:
The remnants of Sunday’s fiery and deadly crash involving 7 vehicles include a semi truck crash have finally been cleared from the roadway, and traffic for Monday’s rush hour is moving smoothly.
But many questions remain about the crash, which our newsroom is working to learn.
That includes exactly how many people were killed in a crash that authorities would only confirm was deadly.
We also don’t know how many people were injured, nor the extent of their injuries.
Here’s what we’ve been able to officially confirm:
The accident happened near the Welcome Center and Ringgold Road at about 5:20 p.m. Sunday.
6 cars and one 18-wheeler were involved in the crash.
Two of the cars caught fire after the crash. First responders made rescuing everyone trapped in all vehicles their priority.
The East Ridge Police Department tells us several people were seriously hurt, including a child.
They also confirm “multiple fatalities.” But authorities have not said how many as of Monday morning.
The crash kept that portion of I-75 northbound closed for hours, into the night.
Again, traffic in the area is moving smoothly as of Monday morning.
Keep checking this story for updates throughout the day.
Depend on us to keep you posted.
UPDATE (9 p.m.):
Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed the crash was deadly.
At this time, it is unclear how many people involved in the crash passed away.
The agency said they are working with East Ridge Police Department on the investigation.
UPDATE (7:45 p.m.):
Six cars and one tractor trailer were involved in the crash, East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) confirmed.
Two vehicles caught on fire, according to ERPD.
ERPD said all of those involved were taken to the hospital by 6:45 p.m.
For now, drivers are encouraged to avoid the area as crews continue cleanup efforts.
Traffic has been diverted off of I-75 northbound onto Exit 1, ERPD said.
UPDATE (6:40 p.m.):
At least one minor was taken to the hospital as a result of a fiery crash on I-75 northbound on Sunday, the East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) said.
A total of seven or eight vehicles were involved in the crash, with some severe injuries reported, according to ERPD.
ERPD confirmed a semi-truck is one of the vehicles involved.
Vehicle fires were also reported, according to ERPD.
EARLIER:
We’re working to learn more about a multi-vehicle crash on I-75 northbound on Sunday, near the Tennessee Welcome Center.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the crash happened at mile marker 0.8 just before 4:30 p.m.
The agency said all northbound lanes are currently blocked.
We will update this story with more information as it becomes available.
Depend on us to keep you posted.
