Portion of I-40 closed in Lebanon following deadly multi-vehicle crash

LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — A portion of Interstate 40 is expected to be closed for an "extended period of time" following a deadly multi-vehicle crash in Wilson County.

According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) Smartway Map, the crash was reported in the eastbound lanes of I-40 at approximately 11:25 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at mile marker 236.

The Lebanon Police Department posted on X -- formerly known as Twitter -- at 11:21 p.m. stating that "I-40 will be shut down for an extended period of time."

At 5:45 a.m., the police department said were crews working to get the left lane reopened within the next hour.

However, in a statement to News 2, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) said they estimate that the interstate won't be cleared until 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. due to a "complicated cleanup and recovery."

A crash report provided by THP revealed that four vehicles were involved in the crash. Officials said a 2024 International Truck Tractor was traveling west on I-40, crossed the median and hit a 2025 Kenworth T680 semi-truck in the eastbound lanes.

THP said a 2020 Honda CRV struck the International Truck Tractor's trailer after it crossed the median and a 2022 Lexus BTM hit debris. Authorities reported no injuries were reported on behalf of the Honda and Lexus drivers.

However, the driver of the Kenworth semi -- identified as a 66-year-old man from Tennessee -- was killed in the crash, THP said.

According to a crash report, the 59-year-old driver of the International Truck Tractor sustained injuries in the crash, and charges are pending against him following the outcome of the investigation.

As of 8:30 a.m., the eastbound lanes remain closed. Traffic is being diverted at Exit 236 onto South Hartman Drive. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes.

No other information was immediately released about the crash.