LAKE CITY/ROCKY TOP, TN (WLAF) – Northbound I-75 traffic was a mess for hours on Wednesday from morning into afternoon from Mile Marker 128 to Mile Marker 122 and beyond. Two 18-wheelers, headed in opposite directions, wrecked between the two Lake City/Rocky Top exits.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Jacob Clabough’s report, the accident happened at 9:20 am when a southbound 2020 Peterbilt tractor trailer driven by 46-year old Michael D. Farmer of Corbin failed to maintain its lane coming into contact with the cable barrier and guardrail in the median. Clabough said the Peterbilt then traveled into the northbound lanes of losing the rear left tire on trailer number two. That’s when Farmer’s rig came into contact with a 2019 Kenworth operated by 25-year old Jose A. Alvarado of Mount Airy, Maryland. The Kenworth came to a controlled final rest on the shoulder while the Peterbilt came to an uncontrolled final rest in the roadway and median after overturning.

Farmer was injured while Alvarado was not based on the report. Each was wearing a seat belt. Farmer’s charges include driving on RDWYS laned for traffic/failure to maintain control.

Northbound traffic began flowing before 2 pm on Wednesday afternoon. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/10/2020-6AM)

Related