Sun is likely cause of fatal crash on I-40, highway patrol says

The crash that occurred in Roane Co. involved multiple vehicles, according to officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Published: Jan. 11, 2022 at 4:55 AM AKST
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ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) – Troopers with Tennessee Highway Patrol say a glare from the sun is likely to blame for the death of two people involved in a major crash on I-40 Monday morning.

According to WVLT, the incident report said a tractor-trailer was slowing due to another crash ahead when a Ford Transit driving behind did not slow down and crashed into the back of the tractor-trailer.

Officials said the two people in the Ford Transit, identified as 63-year-old Robert Rich and 39-year-old Adam Milburn, both died from the crash. Preliminary reports show they were both wearing a seatbelt.

Two people in the tractor-trailer, identified as 44-year-old Robenson Cadestin and 32-year-old Wilguens Cadestin, were not injured.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol, three separate accidents happened in the same area, resulting in significant backups and a section of the interstate closed.

Highway patrol told WVLT the likely reason for the crashes was glare from the sun.

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