Interstate 40 Closed After Tractor Trailer Accident

Interstate 40 was closed Tuesday in Cocke County after a crash that involved two tractor trailers. The accident occurred near the Tennessee-North Carolina line at MM 451 where I-40 is down to one lane in each direction. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, just before 7 am, a 2023 International semi was traveling eastbound on I-40. The driver of the tractor trailer, 30 year old Dustin Cole of Indiana, crossed over the center divider between the two directions of traffic. Cole’s tractor trailer hit another tractor trailer that was traveling on the Westbound side. Cole, then pulled back into the eastbound land and came to a stop. The westbound truck, a 2025 Peterbuilt came to a rest on the right side of the westbound side of the interstate. Both lanes of the interstate had to be closed for a time, backing up travel in both directions. The westbound lane was reopened just after 7:45 am with the eastbound side opening back up about 15 minutes later.

Both of the drivers were wearing seat belts and neither were injured. Cole, who caused the accident, was charged with failing to maintain his lane.