MEMPHIS, Shelby County, Tenn., Oct. 24, 2026 — Three people were injured Friday night, October 23, in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 240 eastbound near Walnut Grove in Memphis. Among those hurt was congressional candidate Heidi Kuhn, according to her campaign team.
The crash happened just before 7:30 p.m. and blocked several lanes of I-240E, according to the report. All three people involved were taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-critical.
Kuhn's campaign team said in a statement posted to social media that the candidate and her husband, Matt, were both involved and were treated at Baptist Hospital. The campaign said the couple is recovering and expected to be okay, and asked for privacy for the family during Kuhn's recovery. Kuhn is the Democratic nominee for Tennessee's new 8th Congressional District.
The crash remains under investigation. We hope those who were hurt recover quickly.
Local Crash Information for Memphis, TN
The multi-vehicle crash was reported on Interstate 240 in Memphis. For more crash news from the area, see our Shelby County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does following distance matter so much in highway traffic?
Leaving enough space between vehicles gives drivers time to react if traffic ahead slows or stops suddenly, which can prevent one crash from becoming several.
Do secondary crashes often happen after an initial wreck?
Yes. Stopped or slowed traffic near the scene of a first crash creates a hazard for approaching drivers, and secondary collisions are a common risk until lanes are cleared.
What makes multi-vehicle crashes harder to investigate?
Investigators have to sort out the order vehicles collided, how fast each was moving, and how drivers reacted, which takes longer when several vehicles and witnesses are involved.
What typically causes pile-ups on interstates?
Sudden braking, reduced visibility, congestion, and following too closely are common factors, though the specific cause of any crash is determined by investigators.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Memphis, TN
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe spot if possible and check yourself and others for injuries before doing anything else. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms show up hours or days later. Get checked by a medical professional even if you feel fine at the scene. Exchange information with other drivers, take photos if it's safe to do so, and get a copy of the police report once it's available. Memphis traffic on highways like I-240 moves fast, so stay in your vehicle with hazards on unless it's unsafe to remain there until help arrives.
