The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:03 PM
Passenger Dies In Hit and Run Accident On I-40 East Between Cedar Bluff, Bridgewater Road Late Saturday
According to the Knoxville Police Department, a gray Nissan Altima had left the road and struck a guardrail head-on. The passenger was deceased at the scene, while the driver was transported to UT Medical Center with what appeared to be serious injuries.
Police said that prior to the Altima hitting the guardrail, it had been involved in a separate accident on I-40 East near Pellissippi Parkway. In that incident, the Altima had crossed into the right lane on I-40 and struck a Toyota Solara that was also traveling on I-40 East. The Solara received minor damage, and the driver was not injured and had no passengers.
The Altima fled the scene, according to witness statements, and continued driving on I-40 East where it had the second accident. Two lanes of I-40 were shut down while the accident was investigated. The Altima was traveling at a high rate of speed, according to police.
Driver and passenger information is being withheld until the families are notified.
The investigation is ongoing, police said.