NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A deadly crash shut down part of Interstate 24 in Nashville on Thursday night, marking the third fatal collision on I-24 within a 24-hour period, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
The latest crash occurred shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday near mile marker 43, prompting emergency crews to close all westbound lanes of the interstate. TDOT confirmed that traffic was being diverted at Exit 43, with the highway expected to remain closed until around midnight as investigators and cleanup crews worked at the scene.
Third Fatal Crash in One Day
Authorities said one person died in the latest incident. MNPD’s Fatal Crash Unit is leading the investigation, though officials have not yet released the victim’s identity or additional details about how the crash occurred.
This marks the third deadly crash on I-24 westbound in less than 24 hours, underscoring a tragic and dangerous stretch of highway conditions in Middle Tennessee.
“Each of these crashes is a tragedy, and our team is working to determine the contributing factors,” an MNPD spokesperson said. “We urge drivers to use caution and remain alert when traveling along the interstate.”
First Fatal Crash: Early Morning in Clarksville
The first crash took place around 5:30 a.m. Thursday near mile marker 9 in Clarksville, when a driver reportedly lost control of their vehicle and plunged into the Red River. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Clarksville Police Department.
Authorities said the vehicle appeared to have veered off the roadway due to high speed and slick pavement conditions, though the official cause remains under investigation.
Second Fatal Crash: Afternoon in Nashville
A second deadly crash occurred near mile marker 53, close to Briley Parkway, around 1:45 p.m. Thursday. That incident involved a dump truck and two passenger vehicles.
Police said a 70-year-old man from Fairview was killed in the collision. Several lanes of I-24 West were shut down for hours as investigators reconstructed the scene and cleared debris. No other serious injuries were reported in that crash.
A Pattern of Dangerous Conditions
All three fatalities occurred in the westbound lanes of I-24, raising renewed concerns about traffic safety on one of the region’s busiest interstates.
TDOT and MNPD are reminding motorists to observe posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and maintain safe following distances, particularly during high-traffic hours or inclement weather.
“I-24 has seen a string of serious crashes recently,” TDOT said in a statement. “We’re coordinating with local law enforcement to analyze these incidents and determine what measures might improve safety in these areas.”
Road Closures and Detours
As of late Thursday night, I-24 West remained closed near mile marker 43, with traffic being detoured through local exits and alternate routes. Commuters were urged to avoid the area and check TDOT’s SmartWay traffic map for live updates before traveling.
Motorists traveling between Nashville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro should expect residual delays throughout Friday morning.
Authorities continue to investigate all three incidents and have not ruled out weather or visibility as potential contributing factors.
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