Fiery Crash Closes I-65 South in Franklin

Crash Closes I-65 South

UPDATE 5:00PM Franklin PD report traffic is flowing again.

UPDATE 4:00PM

From the Franklin PD:

At 12:20 this afternoon emergency personnel responded to I-65 S at Murfreesboro Road after reports came in of a semi that had crashed and caught fire. Officers determined that the southbound semi, which was pulling a lightly-loaded flatbed, hit a roadside overpass support column before losing control and bursting into flames. The driver was able to escape, but was seriously burned. He was airlifted to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is receiving treatment. A second vehicle was struck by the truck’s trailer during the crash but no one else was seriously injured.

As a precaution, the Murfreesboro Rd (96E) overpass was temporarily closed until a TDOT Bridge Inspector confirmed the bridge was safe for vehicles.

Current situation:
I-65 S traffic is being forced off at Murfreesboro Road, re-entering the Interstate via the Murfreesboro Rd/I-65 southbound entrance ramp. Cleanup is underway, but it has yet to be determined when the Interstate will re-open. Motorists are strongly advised to seek an I-65 alternate. Area alternates are also growing increasingly congested.

UPDATE 2:13 PM: Hwy 96E overpass NOW OPEN. All I-65 S traffic MUST EXIT onto 96 & re-enter the Interstate.

Williamson County Schools is also alerting parents that buses will most likely be delayed especially around that area and on both sides of Interstate 65.  In addition, traffic back ups are to be expected for parents and for student drivers.

Original story:

A serious crash involving a semi resulted in a fire on the Interstate has closed I-65S between McEwen & Goose Creek Bypass Thursday, Oct 3 for the foreseeable future. The crash was reported at 12:30pm Thursday.

The 96E (Murfreesboro Rd) overpass is CLOSED both directions until inspectors can confirm that the bridge, which was damaged by the semi, is safe.

Officials are instructing drivers to avoid I-65 S and Murfreesboro Road between Carothers & Royal Oaks. Expect major delays.

TDOT SmartWay estimates the crash will be cleared by 7pm.

Details of the crash have not been released yet, but there are serious injuries. Around 1:15pm, Franklin PD tweeted that LifeFlight had landed to provide care and transport for the driver of the semi.