MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Three people — one of whom is in critical condition — were reportedly hospitalized Saturday night following a fiery five-car crash in Murfreesboro.
The Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) said the incident happened at the intersection of Lascassas Pike at N. Rutherford Boulevard around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, which resulted in the temporary closure of the intersection.
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According to authorities, the preliminary investigation shows a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck was traveling in the eastbound left lane of E. Northfield Boulevard, approaching the traffic light at Lascassas Pike and N. Rutherford Boulevard, when it slammed into the back of a car, causing a “chain reaction pileup.” One of the cars reportedly burst into flames, trapping the driver inside.
Officials said members of the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department quickly extinguished the fire and rescued the 24-year-old driver. Since he was severely injured, a LifeFlight helicopter rushed him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he is currently listed in critical condition.
According to police, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services personnel took a second driver to Vanderbilt, but that individual is already in stable condition. Meanwhile, a third driver was brought to Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Authorities said investigators from the Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) are trying to determine if speeding contributed to the incident.
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Charges will be pending based on the outcome of the crash investigation, which is still ongoing, officials reported.