MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A person has died and another is in critical condition following two separate early morning car crashes on Interstate 40, says MPD.
The first crash occurred just after 2 a.m. at I-40 W and Sycamore View on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
MPD reports that Car #1 was traveling westbound on I-40 when it lost control, spun out, and hit the concrete retaining wall twice. The car then crossed over the westbound lanes of I-40 and was struck on its left side by the front of Car #2.
The driver of Car #2 was taken to Baptist East in non-critical condition.
The driver of Car #1 was taken to the Traffic Office for a blood test and was charged with DUI, reckless driving, and public intoxication. This driver was then transported to 201 Polar.
Both cars were towed from the scene by White's Towing.
Around 3:30 a.m., MPD assigned a lead investigator to a second fatal crash at I-40 W and Sycamore View Rd.
The investigation revealed that a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse, traveling westbound on I-40, struck a stopped car and a person assisting with the earlier crash. The front left side of the SUV hit the right rear side of the parked car and the person standing by it. The parked car then spun out and collided with one of the disabled cars from the initial crash.
The person hit by the SUV was taken to Regional One Health in critical condition.
The driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced dead at the scene.
MPD states that this is a preliminary and ongoing investigation. The crash report diagram is not to scale and is subject to revision.
