MEMPHIS, Shelby County, Tenn., Oct. 25, 2026 — A five-vehicle crash shut down most of Interstate 40 near the Sycamore View exit on Friday evening, October 23, sending four people to the hospital.
The crash happened just before 6 p.m. and blocked four of six lanes on I-40, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation's Smartway traffic system. The backup affected drivers heading through the area during the evening commute.
Memphis Police said four people were taken to area hospitals with injuries described as non-critical. No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the crash has not been released. The police have not said which lanes reopened first or how long the backup lasted. Action News 5 reported it had asked Memphis Police for additional details and would update the story as more information became available. No further details on the vehicles involved or the drivers have been released as of this report.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More Crash News from Shelby County
This crash happened on Interstate 40 in Memphis, TN. For other recent crashes near Memphis, TN, visit our latest Shelby County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur on highways and interstates during peak commute hours, when traffic is heaviest and following distances shrink. Multi-vehicle pileups like this one are more common in congested stretches near exits and merge points.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Leaving extra space between vehicles, slowing down in heavy traffic, and staying alert for sudden braking ahead can help drivers avoid chain-reaction crashes, especially in high-volume interstate corridors.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, bruising, and soft-tissue injuries are common in multi-vehicle crashes, even at lower speeds. More serious injuries can include broken bones or head trauma, depending on the force of impact.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distracted driving, following too closely, and sudden stops in heavy traffic are frequent factors in multi-vehicle crashes, though the cause of any individual crash is determined by investigators.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Memphis, TN
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, try to move to a safe spot out of traffic if your vehicle is drivable, and turn on hazard lights. Check yourself and passengers for injuries before stepping out, since fast-moving highway traffic nearby can pose its own danger. Call 911 and wait for police to arrive and document the scene.
Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider afterward. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bruising, don't show symptoms right away. Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records in case you need them later for insurance purposes.
