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.
