KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — I-40 East has reopened after a serious multi-vehicle crash just west of Midway Road.
Knoxville Police shared information about the closure just before 6:30 a.m. I-40 East reopened around 11 a.m.
According to Knoxville Police, two people were pronounced dead at the scene and three others were injured.
KPD said that based on their investigation, it is believed that two vehicles travelling east on I-40 were involved in a rear-end crash. The first vehicle came to a rest in a lane of I-40 East after the crash, and vehicle two overturned and rolled across all three lanes and off the road before coming to a rest in the median.
After that, police believe a passerby stopped to help the first vehicle, which was then struck by a Priority Ambulance that was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. The ambulance was traveling from Knoxville to Cocke County.
On Monday, Priority Ambulance released the following statement regarding the incident:
“Priority Ambulance extends our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones in this weekend’s multi-vehicle accident. Our thoughts are with all individuals and families affected by this tragic event. We can confirm that one of our ambulances was involved, and our crew members sustained minor injuries. We are cooperating fully with authorities as they investigate the circumstances of the accident.”
The driver of vehicle one and the passerby who stopped to help were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle was ejected from the car. Knoxville Police said they were taken to UT Medical Center with severe injuries. KPD added that that driver was potentially under the influence and there are charges possibly pending.
The driver and passenger of the ambulance both received minor injuries. Knoxville Police added that there were no patients were in the ambulance at the time of the crash.
Around 11:45 a.m., the Region 2 EMS Directors association reported that the injured EMS crew involved in the crash had been treated and released from the hospital.
Saturday morning, 6 News sent a crew to the scene, reporting that three vehicles were involved in the crash.
The crash remains under investigation by KPD’s crash reconstruction personnel.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated.