Chattanooga, TN (April 22, 2026) – Two people were killed in a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck late Tuesday night, April 21, on Interstate 24.
The crash occurred shortly after 11:00 p.m. in the eastbound lanes near the I-75 split. Emergency units responded to reports of a collision with entrapment and found a car that had struck the rear of a tractor-trailer that was stopped in traffic.
Crews worked to remove two people trapped inside the car. A 31-year-old woman, who was driving, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passenger, a 37-year-old man, was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The driver of the semi-truck was not hurt.
The identities of the victims have not been released. Traffic in the area was reduced to one lane for several hours as crews worked at the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victims’ loved ones.
Rear-End Crashes Involving Stopped Traffic Can Be Deadly
Rear-end crashes can become especially severe when one vehicle is stopped or moving slowly. The difference in speed between the vehicles can lead to a strong impact, particularly when a smaller car strikes a larger vehicle like a semi-truck.
On highways, traffic can slow or stop unexpectedly due to congestion, construction, or earlier incidents. Drivers who are unable to slow down in time may collide with vehicles ahead.
Large trucks also have higher ground clearance, which can increase the risk of a car sliding underneath during a crash. These conditions can make injuries more serious and complicate rescue efforts for those inside the vehicle.
