MEMPHIS, Shelby County, Tenn., Oct. 2, 2026 — A crash shut down South Third Street in Southwest Memphis late Wednesday night, September 30, into early Thursday, October 1. The road has since reopened.
Memphis Police and the Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the scene at South Third Street and Shelby Drive just before midnight. Crime scene investigators were seen arriving at the location, and an ambulance was reported leaving the area, suggesting at least one person may have been taken for treatment, though that has not been confirmed.
Troopers lined cruisers around the intersection to block traffic while the scene was processed. South Third Street was closed for a period before reopening to drivers.
The cause of the crash has not been released. It remains unclear how many vehicles were involved or whether anyone was injured. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released by the police as they become available.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
What Makes Intersection Crashes So Damaging
Crashes at intersections like South Third Street and Shelby Drive usually involve vehicles moving on different paths at the moment of impact, which can produce a side or angled hit rather than a straight-on collision. That angle matters: the doors and side panels of most vehicles have far less crush space than the front or rear, so there is less structure to absorb energy before it reaches the people inside.
Speed at the moment of impact, known as closing speed, plays a bigger role in outcomes than people usually assume. Two vehicles each traveling 35 mph that meet at an angle can produce forces similar to a single vehicle hitting a wall at much higher speed. A mismatch in vehicle size adds to that risk, since a heavier vehicle transfers more force into a lighter one it strikes.
Seat belts and airbags are built to work together, positioning a person so the airbag can do its job; a belt keeps someone in place long enough for the bag to deploy correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023, meaning most intersection crashes nationally involve the same class of vehicle on both sides, rather than a car against a truck or bus. Vehicle safety ratings and crash-test designs continue to focus heavily on these passenger-to-passenger scenarios because they are the most common type of crash on American roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers and take photos of the scene if you're able to do so safely.
Where do most car accidents happen?
Intersections account for a large share of crashes nationally, since they combine crossing traffic, turning movements, and varying speeds in a small area.
How can drivers lower their chances of being in a crash?
Slowing down at intersections, scanning for cross traffic, and avoiding distractions behind the wheel all reduce the odds of a collision.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Neck and back strain, broken bones, and head injuries are frequently reported, though severity varies widely based on speed and impact angle.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Memphis, TN
If you're involved in a crash in Memphis, stay at the scene and call police so a report can be filed. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries, like whiplash or internal bruising, don't show symptoms right away.
Keep a copy of the police report and any photos from the scene. If you're a witness rather than a driver involved, stick around if it's safe to do so; officers may want a brief account of what you saw.
