Driver crashes into semi-trailer during Smith County pursuit on I-40

Published
July 03, 2026
Outcome
Injured
Location
Smith, Tennessee
westbound I-40 near Buffalo Valley Rest Area
Incident type
Crash, Pursuit

Summary

Sports in Smith, Tennessee: A driver left the Buffalo Valley Rest Area in Smith County, Tennessee, and crashed into the back of a flatbed semi-trailer in the westbound lanes of I-40 at approximately 4:43 a.m. Friday, following a pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Rescue personnel from Smith and Putnam counties extricated the driver by removing the vehicle's roof and using a lifting system to raise the semi-trailer off his lower extremities. The driver was turned over to EMS for further medical treatment; the extent of his injuries was unknown.

Original reporting

Driver collides into semi-trailer during Smith County, TN pursuit

Related accident news