NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Three people were seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision Thursday morning on Interstate 40 between Highway 70S and McCrory Lane in Bellevue.
The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes just past the Highway 70S exit at mile marker 196.
Two semi-trucks and one passenger vehicle were involved.
Truck driver JJ Jones was directly behind the accident and told Nashville's News 2 "parts were flying everywhere, there was explosion, it was awful."
He said it appeared the two semi-trucks collided and then struck the third vehicle, a white Lexus sedan.
The two male truck drivers and the female driver of the Lexus were injured and transported to the hospital.
Authorities on the scene said all are lucky to be alive.
A second crash occurred minutes after the first in the eastbound lanes and involved four vehicles. No injuries were reported in the second pileup.
I-40 West was shut down for several hours. Traffic was diverted off the interstate at Old Hickory Boulevard and at Highway 70S. Eastbound traffic was also slow with rubbernecking delays.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation estimated it would be at least 3:30 p.m. before the scene is cleared and interstate completely reopened.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area.
