Victims identified in crashes that occurred on I-40 in Jeff. Co.

JEFFERSON Co., Tenn. (WVLT) - Officials have identified victims that were involved in a multi-vehicle crash that occurred on I-40 West Tuesday evening.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said a bus driver, 73-year-old Maurice Saleeby of South Carolina, was airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. 40-year-old Elliot Perkins and 30-year-old Cassie Perkins, also of South Carolina, were transported by ambulance to UT Medical Center.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said 15 vehicles were involved in a crash, which sparked six other crashes along the roadway. The sheriff’s office said the crashes occurred between the 412 and 417 exits in Jefferson County.

According to THP, traffic was stopped on I-40 due to a previous crash. Saleeby was driving and was unable to stop on the roadway. THP said he steered right, but sideswiped the vehicle in front and another vehicle before going off the side of the road and stopping at an embankment.

The fire department said they were dispatched to the area of 415 on I-40 west for a vehicle crash at around 5:45 p.m.

The fire department said Lakeway Central Fire Department, Jefferson County EMS, Jefferson County EMA, the Jefferson County Rescue Squad, Jefferson City Fire and the White Pine Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

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