Available 
Nashville, TN (March 3, 2026) – A man has died following a multi-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday morning on Interstate 40 West in the Hermitage area. The incident involved three vehicles and left another driver critically injured.
According to preliminary findings, 29-year-old Darius Woods was driving a Dodge Journey when it rear-ended a Nissan van. The impact disabled the Dodge. The Nissan driver moved the van onto the right shoulder after the collision.
Woods was stopped in the far left lane and had stepped outside his vehicle to inspect the damage. While he was outside, an Acura MDX struck him. Emergency units transported Woods to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
The 46-year-old driver of the Acura was also taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with critical injuries. No additional details have been released at this time.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Multi-Vehicle Crashes on Interstates Can Be Especially Dangerous
Crashes on interstates often involve higher speeds than those on city streets. When a vehicle becomes disabled in an active lane, the risk of additional impacts increases quickly. Drivers approaching the scene may have little time to react, especially if traffic is heavy.
Stopping in a travel lane can create serious hazards. Even when drivers exit their vehicles to check for damage, they remain exposed to oncoming traffic. Moving to the shoulder, if possible, can reduce the risk of a secondary collision.
Multi-vehicle crashes can develop in seconds. A single rear-end accident may trigger a chain reaction, particularly on busy highways where vehicles travel close together at high speeds.
