KPD e-News Release: Tractor Trailer Versus Bus Crash Congests I-81 Traffic

	Kingsport Police Department David Quillin, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT:		Tractor Trailer Versus Bus Crash Congests I-81 Traffic
DATE:		October 27, 2018
CASE #:		18-029763

GENERAL NARRATIVE
On October 27, 2018 at approximately 8:00 PM, a bus carrying a college football team was traveling along Interstate 81 at mile-marker 62 in Kingsport when it experienced mechanical issues, resulting in a complete loss of power and lighting, and became disabled in the right northbound traffic lane. All occupants of the bus were promptly evacuated from the bus to the safety of the roadside. Shortly thereafter, a northbound tractor trailer crashed into the incapacitated bus when the driver was unable to see it stopped in the traffic lane. Absolutely no injuries were sustained in the crash. The tractor trailer was hauling several thousand gallons of oil in quart-sized containers which were subsequently scattered across the roadway. Some of these containers ruptured resulting in oil spillage. TDOT is on scene and assisting with traffic congestion. As of the time of this release, the right northbound lane remains closed; however, the left lane is open for traffic. Motorists are encouraged to avoid this area for the next several hours and seek an alternate route to allow for the safe cleanup of the crash site. Motorists already in the immediate area are asked to pay attention, exercise caution and patience, and obey all traffic instructions. This crash remains under investigation by the Kingsport Police Department; however, no charges are expected.