Dandridge, TN (June 11, 2026) – Two people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 westbound in Dandridge on Wednesday afternoon after a tractor-trailer tire blew out. The collision caused significant traffic backups stretching several miles along the interstate.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a tire from a tractor-trailer became detached and struck an SUV traveling on I-40. After being struck by the tire, the SUV collided with a truck transporting three commercial vehicles.
Investigators said the truck then struck a guardrail and a concrete barrier alongside the highway. The three vehicles being towed detached from the carrier and rolled down an embankment before coming to rest on Briggs Rd beneath the interstate. The SUV and tractor-trailer came to a stop on the left shoulder.
The driver and a passenger in the SUV were injured in the crash. Information regarding the extent of their injuries was not released.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. We are thinking of those injured and wish them a full recovery.
How Tire Failures Can Lead to Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes
Tire failures on large commercial vehicles can create sudden hazards for nearby motorists. When a tire separates or blows out at highway speeds, debris can travel significant distances and strike other vehicles with little warning.
Drivers who encounter tire debris may have only seconds to react, increasing the likelihood of secondary collisions. On busy highways, one unexpected maneuver can quickly involve multiple vehicles, especially when commercial trucks are carrying additional cargo or towing equipment.
Investigators reviewing these crashes often examine tire condition, maintenance records, roadway evidence, and vehicle movements. These factors can help determine how the tire failure occurred and how the chain of collisions developed afterward.
