The driver of this Ford Explorer was charged with DUI.

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – A North Carolina man suffered injuries and is facing charges resulting from a Friday evening rollover accident on I-75 about a mile north of Huntsville-Oneida Exit 141. Related story.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s preliminary information, 60-year old Howard Banks of Hamlet, North Carolina, was traveling south when he veered off the left side of the interstate striking a rock embankment and a guardrail. The 1995 Ford Explorer driven by Banks rolled over ending up in the median facing southbound. First responders tell WLAF that Banks was ejected and pinned underneath the SUV. A medical helicopter landed on the interstate and transported the victim to a Knoxville hospital. Banks was not wearing a seat belt based on the report.

The North Carolina man driving this SUV was airlifted to a Knoxville hospital.

A second vehicle, a 2017 Nissan Maxima driven by 52-year old Carl Walker of Perryville, Kentucky, suffered damage in the mishap. As Banks Ford struck the rock embankment, debris from the crash traveled into the north bound lane striking Walker’s car. Walker’s Nissan came to a final controlled rest on the shoulder of I-75. Walker, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured.

Banks was charged with DUI (driving under the influence), failure to maintain lane, implied consent, financial responsibility and seatbelt according to the THP report. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/12/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAFOLLETTE RESCUE SQUAD CHIEF CHARLES HUTSON)

2 Replies to “Driver in Friday’s rollover wreck was DUI”

  1. It doesn’t mention there was 3 other occupants in Mr. Walkers car including 2 children and myself his wife or the fact that we have no idea how to get our car repaired and the fact the children which is most important of all could’ve died because someone decided to drink and drive

    1. Thank you for your response, Frances.

      Those details were not included in the preliminary accident report is why there was no mention in the story.

      Best,
      Jim
      WLAF

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