Crash sees 1 killed, 6 injured after driver suffers seizure in Tennessee
A woman suffered a seizure while driving in downtown Gatlinburg on Sunday afternoon, triggering a multi-vehicle crash that killed one person and injured six others, authorities said.
The incident occurred at around 4:15 p.m. local time in the 700 block of Parkway, a busy tourist stretch in the mountain town.
According to preliminary reports, the driver mistakenly accelerated instead of braking during the medical episode, striking several pedestrians and vehicles.
🚨 BREAKING: Major 5-vehicle crash in downtown Gatlinburg, TN — 6 injured, 3 airlifted to UT Medical Center.
The crash sent cars onto sidewalks, shutting down Parkway (lights 6–8).
Cause under investigation — possible medical emergency suspected.#Gatlinburg #Tennessee… pic.twitter.com/jdtq1RRms8Three of the injured were airlifted in serious condition to the University of Tennessee Medical Centre. The remaining three victims were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals.
The identities of the victims have not been released.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is assisting Gatlinburg Police in the ongoing investigation. Officials closed off sections of Parkway following the crash and said the roads would reopen after 6:45 p.m.
Photos and videos posted to social media captured the aftermath of the collision, with multiple vehicles heavily damaged and emergency services responding at the scene.
#breakingnews Tourist town #Gatlinburg had a car at speeds of 100 mph drive in to crowds of people many people died, people helicopter out. Prayers & answers needed.@FoxNews @CNN @MSNBC @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/lyNwPSLMK5
Authorities have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses relevant footage to contact local investigators.