Tennessee Highway Patrol investigates a two-vehicle wreck that sent three people to the hospital

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Traffic along the four lane was bogged down for a couple of hours Thursday morning due to a two-vehicle wreck that happened in front of David Bales Automotive.

It was just before 9am when a dark colored 2013 Honda CRV driven by Amber Ellison was traveling toward La Follette on Highway 25W. Ellison failed to maintain her lane striking a white 2022 Chrysler Pacifica that was Jacksboro bound, according to the preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The Chrysler struck a building on the north side of the highway that also houses Black Bear T-Shirts and came to a stop in the parking lot while the Honda veered further east after contact striking a building on the north side of the road and coming to a rest in that parking lot, based on the THP report.

The Chrysler suffered major damage to the driver’s side while ending up off the road hitting this building.

There was a passenger with Ellison in the Honda, a 48 year old man. Paige Smith, 34, was the driver of the Chrysler. Airbags deployed in both vehicles, and all three occupants were transported to the La Follette Medical Center.

This Honda continued about another 50 yards after impact striking this building, according to the THP.

Ellison, 47, 555 Glade Springs Road, La Follette, was released from LMC and arrested by the THP. Charges levied against Ellison include a DUI (driving under the influence), violation of the lane law and failure to exercise due care. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/07/2025-6AM)

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