Kingston, TN (March 6, 2026) – Three people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Thursday night, March 5, on Interstate 40 in Kingston.
Emergency units responded around 9:00 p.m. to the westbound lanes of I-40 between the Kingston on-ramp at Exit 352 and the Clinch River bridge. Reports indicate that several vehicles were involved in the collision along the stretch of highway.
One of the injured victims, a 26-year-old woman who was 24 weeks pregnant, was flown by helicopter from the Roane Medical Center helipad to UT Medical Center in Knoxville. Two additional patients were taken by ambulance to the same hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been fully detailed.
Traffic in the area was heavily impacted following the crash. All westbound lanes were temporarily shut down while responders assisted victims and crews removed damaged vehicles from the roadway.
Officials said the crash occurred in an area where traffic was being directed into one lane due to guardrail repair work near the Midtown exit. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Lane Closures on Highways Can Lead to Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Highway lane closures often require drivers to slow down and merge into fewer travel lanes. When traffic shifts suddenly or vehicles approach the closure at higher speeds, drivers may have limited time to react.
Construction or repair zones can also change normal traffic patterns. Cones, barriers, or lane restrictions may prompt vehicles to merge more closely together, increasing the risk of sudden braking.
Heavy traffic combined with reduced lanes can create stop-and-go conditions. When drivers are following closely, a quick slowdown by one vehicle may trigger a chain reaction involving several others. These situations are common on busy interstates, where vehicles typically travel at higher speeds before entering a restricted area.
