Motorcyclist Injured In Crash On I-40

I-40 westbound was shut down on Tuesday afternoon after a crash involving a motorcycle. A preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol says a semi-truck being driven by Eric Mejias of Florida was trying to merge into the left lane near mile marker 435. The driver of the semi did not see a motorcycle that was even with his trailer at that point. As Mejias moved into the left lane, the motorcyclist drove on the yellow line and onto the rumble strip, lost control and then crashed into the median.

Mejias pulled his semi over onto the shoulder of the interstate just past the Exit 435 entrance ramp. The motorcyclist had to be airlifted to the UT Medical Center in Knoxville due to his injuries. We do not have an update on his condition. Mejias, the semi-truck driver, is being charged with failure to maintain lane and due care. I-40 westbound was closed for about an hour while first responders cleared the crash scene.