David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

As previously released:

Update #2: On September 1, 2019, at approximately 5:15 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a motor vehicle collision on westbound Interstate 26 near mile-marker 6 (Rock Springs Road exit) in Kingsport. Based on the seriousness of the injuries to those involved, the K.P.D. Traffic Unit was called to the scene to investigate. Their findings thus far are as follows:

A dark blue 2008 Honda Accord 4-door sedan, driven and solely occupied by Margaret C. Buck of Johnson City, TN, was lawfully traveling westbound on I-26 near mile-marker 6. Meanwhile, for unknown reasons, a black 2005 Mercedes C230 4-door sedan, driven and solely occupied by Zachary D. Hunt of Unicoi, TN, was unlawfully traveling the wrong way, eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-26 at the same location.

The Mercedes struck the Honda in a head-on impact. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment, Mr. Hunt with non-incapacitating injuries, but Ms. Buck with serious/incapacitating injuries. The westbound lanes of Interstate 26 were completely closed for over three hours to allow for the initial treatment and transportation of the injured, the thorough investigation of the crash, and the safe removal of any and all involved vehicles and related debris.

This remains an active ongoing investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit with charges pending. As such, no additional information will be released at this time.

Update: Westbound Interstate 26 in Kingsport is back open for travel. No details regarding the crash that caused the earlier road closure are available at this time.

As previously released:

On September 1, 2019 as of just after 5:00 AM, the Kingsport Police Department and other first responders are on the scene of a serious motor vehicle collision on westbound Interstate 26 at mile-marker 6 in Kingsport. All of the westbound traffic lanes are completely shut down indefinitely to allow for the thorough investigation of the crash and the safe removal of any and all involved vehicles and related debris.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, avoid the area, and seek an alternate route if at all possible. Anyone already in the immediate area is asked to exercise caution and patience, maintain a high level of situational awareness, and obey all traffic instructions. No further information regarding the actual crash is available at this time.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton