Smyrna, TN - An overnight crash involving a tractor-trailer rig and 2 compact cars caused significant disruptions on Interstate 24 between Smyrna and LaVergne. The incident occurred at 10:40PM late Wednesday night (3/12/2025) and led to the closure of all westbound lanes (traveling toward Nashville). That two-mile stretch created challenges for commuters into Thursday morning.

THP Preliminary Report

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the multi-vehicle crash involved 2 compact cars and an 18-wheeler Volvo big rig.

The preliminary report shows that all 3 vehicles were traveling west toward Nashville. The 2017 Nissan Altima alegedly swerved left and struck the 2020 KIA Optia. The KIA came to a stop in the left lane and then the Nissan slammed into the cement barrier. At that point, the big rig hit the Nissan Altima. 

Each vehicle only had a driver, there were no passengers. 

Only One Injury

Miraculously, only one person was injured. 34-year old Brandon Smith of Tennessee was taken to the hospital. He was the driver of the 2017 Nissan Altima and it is not known whether or not he was wearing a seat belt. 

Both of the other drivers were wearing their seat belts and were not injured: 29-year old Antonio Alexander, also of Tennessee, was driving the KIA. The 18-wheeler driver was 39-year old Eliel Cruz from Illinois.

Throughout the night, traffic was diverted at Sam Ridley Parkway, with drivers rejoining the interstate at Waldron Road. The closure persisted into the early hours of Thursday, complicating the morning commute. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reopened the interstate around 5:30 AM, marking the end of an overnight ordeal that unfolded entirely during the "dark hours."

WGNS salutes the Tennessee Highway Patrol, along with members of the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, and Rutherford County Fire-Rescue for their dedication in keeping us safe.