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| One Dead in Fiery Interstate Crash CHATTANOOGA, TENN – Monday, June 16, 2008 – Just after 11:30 PM, the Tri Community Volunteer Fire Department was alerted to a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 75 northbound between Bonny Oaks Drive (exit 7) and Ooltewah (exit 11). Further reports indicated the accident was involving two eighteen wheelers and that one was possibly on fire. While apparatus was en route, dispatch notified firefighters that Collegedale Police were reporting hearing explosions in the general direction of I-75 even though they were several miles away. When the initial firefighters arrived on the scene they confirmed two tractor trailers involved, both heavily involved in fire, at approximately the 9.1 mile marker. Because of the intensity of the fire and the lack of a positive water source on the Interstate, command requested a mutual aid assignment for tankers and manpower. Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department, Bradley County Fire Department, and Chattanooga Fire Department, along with Catoosa County Fire Department from Georgia responded to the mutual aid request. With the Interstate completely shut down in both directions, firefighters were able to fight the flaming wreckage from both sides. Both tractor trailers were headed northbound when one struck the other in the rear causing them to burst into flames. The driver of the big rig that was struck from behind, was somehow able to disengage the tractor from the trailer and proceed up the highway a short distance to get away from the flames. His trailer was carrying a load of peanuts. The driver was transported to Erlanger Hospital where he was treated and released. The tractor portion of the second eighteen wheeler and the trailers from both rigs were fully involved when firefighters arrived. Firefighters fought valiantly to put out the flames and reach the driver but they were unsuccessful and he perished while still inside. Firefighters spent hours on the scene ensuring that the fire was completely out. SRT was called to the scene to clean up the debris and the vehicles were removed by Yates Wrecker Service. The remains of the driver were transported to the Hamilton County Forensics Laboratory by Hamilton County EMS Medic 3. According to Lt. Kim Noorbergen, Public Information Officer for the Chattanooga Police Department, the lead truck was stopped on the highway due to late night construction when it was struck from behind. Lt. Noorbergen stated that no charges will be filed. Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue assisted on the scene with rehab. The East Ridge Fire Department had apparatus backed in to Tri Community Station 1 on stand by. The Tennessee Department of Transportation Help Trucks assisted the Chattanooga Police Department with traffic. Interstate 75 southbound was shut down for about three hours. Northbound lanes were closed for several more hours while the debris was cleaned up and the accident investigated. |
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