NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A deadly crash involving six vehicles closed a portion of Interstate 24 eastbound near I-65 in Nashville Tuesday.
The collision was reported around 10 a.m. at mile marker 44 at the I-65 North split. One tractor-trailer and five other vehicles were involved in the wreck.
Metro Police officials said 59-year-old Lois Mader, of Ten Mile, Tennessee was killed when her vehicle was rear-ended in slow-moving traffic on I-24 East at the I-65 North split is identified as Lois Mader, 59, of Ten Mile, Tennessee.
Our personnel continue to work at the scene of this fatal wreck on I24 near Exit 44A. one person has died and we transported 4 people. 1 went to @VUMCTrauma in critical condition. 3 others went to @TriStarHealth Skyline. We also are working to contain a fuel spill from the semi. pic.twitter.com/K5SCUQTO85
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) February 23, 2021
The driver of a semi, 65-year-old Alexandre Koul, was taking the I-24 east split onto I-65 and allegedly did apply his brakes before hitting a Nissan Armada, which then hit Mader’s 2020 Jeep Wrangler.
The chain reaction continued with the hitting a pickup truck and the truck then hitting a second semi.
Police say Koul, of West Palm Beach, Florida, reported that he had made a lane change just prior to the collision but did not offer an explanation as to why he did not reduce his speed as he approached traffic, which was at a near standstill.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will conduct an inspection of Koul’s semi for mechanical issues. The District Attorney’s Office will be consulted on charges at the conclusion of the investigation.
No other life-threatening injuries were reported.
