Crime
Mass Casualty Incident Declared After Multiple Injured After Vehicle Strikes Pedestrians and Vehicles in Downtown Gatlinburg
GATLINBURG, TN — Authorities are investigating a serious multi-vehicle crash involving pedestrians in downtown Gatlinburg on Sunday afternoon, which left at least six people injured.
The incident occurred around 4:14 p.m. in the 700 block of Parkway, between traffic lights No. 6 and No. 8.
According to the Gatlinburg Police Department (GPD), the crash was triggered when a driver reportedly suffered a medical emergency, causing their vehicle to collide with several other cars and strike pedestrians along the busy street.
The situation prompted a mass casualty incident (MCI) declaration due to the number of victims and the scale of the emergency response.
Emergency crews from GPD, Gatlinburg Fire Department, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol quickly responded to the scene.
Multiple ambulances and medical helicopters were dispatched to assist with transporting the injured. Authorities confirmed that six individuals were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
The extent of their injuries has not been officially released.
Footage from the Gatlinburg Space Needle captured the aftermath, showing several heavily damaged vehicles along the roadway and emergency responders actively working the scene.
Traffic along Parkway came to a complete halt as responders secured the area and assisted victims.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation reported significant delays and advised motorists to avoid the area while investigations continue.
No additional information about the driver or the condition of those injured has been released at this time.
This remains an active investigation.
Authorities are asking witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact the Gatlinburg Police Department.
Crime
Woman Fatally Struck by Semi-Truck on Birmingham Interstate Exit Ramp Identified as Shontea Baker
Authorities have identified the woman who was killed earlier this week after being struck by a semi-truck on an interstate exit ramp in Birmingham.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was Shontea Renee Baker, 40, a Birmingham resident.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10:26 a.m. Wednesday on the Arkadelphia Road exit ramp from Interstate 59/20.
Emergency responders pronounced Baker deceased at the scene at 10:42 a.m.
At this time, no further details regarding the circumstances of the crash have been released.
The Birmingham Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident.