A tragic accident on Highway 153 has resulted in the death of a 21-year-old passenger after a collision between a box truck and a semi-truck. The incident occurred early Friday morning, leading to significant traffic disruptions and a serious investigation by local authorities.
Key Takeaways
- A box truck collided with a semi-truck on Highway 153.
- The crash occurred around 6:20 AM near the Jersey Pike on-ramp.
- One passenger, aged 21, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
- The driver and passenger were both hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
- Traffic was severely affected, with multiple lanes closed for cleanup.
Details of The Incident
The accident took place at approximately 6:20 AM on the southbound side of Highway 153, close to the Jersey Pike on-ramp. According to Chattanooga police, the driver of an Isuzu box truck struck the rear of a semi-truck that had just merged onto the highway. The impact was severe, causing extensive damage to the box truck.
Emergency responders from the Chattanooga Fire Department were dispatched to the scene, where they had to extricate both the driver and the passenger from the wreckage. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.
Passenger Fatality
Tragically, the 21-year-old passenger succumbed to their injuries on Sunday, two days after the crash. The identity of the deceased and the driver has not been released by authorities as they continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Traffic Disruptions
The crash caused significant traffic delays on Highway 153, with three out of four southbound lanes closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the scene and investigate the incident. As of Friday morning, only one lane was open between Jersey Pike and Shallowford Road, leading to long backups and frustration for commuters.
Authorities have advised drivers to seek alternative routes while cleanup efforts were underway. The Chattanooga Police Department is actively investigating the crash, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Community Response
The local community has expressed their condolences for the loss of life resulting from this tragic event. Many are calling for increased safety measures on Highway 153 to prevent similar accidents in the future. The investigation by the Chattanooga Police Department is ongoing, and they are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to this devastating accident and ensuring the safety of all drivers on the road.
