GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — A serious multivehicle accident occurred in the bustling tourist town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on Sunday afternoon, resulting in injuries to seven individuals, including two pedestrians. The incident took place around 4:20 p.m. in a downtown area known for its high foot traffic, particularly among tourists and locals alike.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash began when a minivan unexpectedly accelerated while navigating through the pedestrian-heavy streets. This abrupt acceleration caused the minivan to strike a pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk, leading to a chain reaction of collisions with several other vehicles. One of the vehicles that was struck by the minivan subsequently collided with a roadside sign, which fell and injured another pedestrian in the vicinity.
In total, five additional individuals inside two other vehicles sustained injuries as a result of the chain reaction caused by the initial collision. Emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene, and the injured were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment. While details about the conditions of the injured individuals have not been released, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is actively investigating the events leading up to the accident.
Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest that a potential medical emergency may have contributed to the driver’s loss of control of the minivan. This aspect is crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash and for ensuring the safety of pedestrians and other motorists in the area moving forward.
Gatlinburg, located in East Tennessee, is renowned for its picturesque mountain scenery and as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which holds the title of the most visited national park in the United States. The town is located near Pigeon Forge, which is famous for being the home of Dollywood, a popular theme park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton. The concentration of tourists in Gatlinburg’s downtown area often results in increased pedestrian activity, making incidents such as this one particularly troubling for both locals and visitors.
As investigations continue, local authorities are likely to review measures aimed at enhancing safety in the downtown area, especially regarding vehicle-pedestrian interactions. It is crucial that both residents and visitors feel secure when walking through the popular tourist hubs of Gatlinburg, and any insights gathered from this incident will aid in shaping future safety protocols.
