One Injured in 18-Wheeler Overturn Accident on I-81 North in Greene County, TN
Greene County, TN — January 9, 2023, one person was injured in an 18-wheeler overturn accident on Interstate 81 North in Greene County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 6:12 a.m. along I-81 North near mile marker 27. Preliminary investigation suggests a tractor-trailer hauling a load of steel pipes was traveling on the highway when the driver may have lost control for unknown reasons. The truck veered into the median and hit several trees; the driver steered back onto the road but allegedly over-corrected and the truck rolled onto its driver's side. It passed through the northbound lanes, spilling its cargo into the road, then returned to an upright position and hit a tree on the other side.
One person involved in the crash received unspecified injuries.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
I've learned over the years that folks are sometimes quick to see only one vehicle involved in a crash and think that means its driver made a mistake. However, that's presumptive and often misses the mark--mostly because there are many ways an incident like this could have been entirely out of the driver's hands. Poor road conditions, a load shift destabilizing the truck and trailer, blown tires caused by debris, vehicle malfunctions or defects, and dozens of other potential factors could have played parts, and it's important to account for all of them rather than jumping to any conclusions.
Am I saying things have to be more complicated in Greene County? Not necessarily. Further careful investigation could reveal a simple explanation, whatever that might be. However, many crashes--of all kinds--are more complex than a few sentences in the news make them sound. Since someone ended up hurt after this one, it's only right to find out exactly how and why that happened. I just hope authorities and the trucking company will do so.
