Two tractor-trailers crash, close interstate in Jefferson County

JEFFERSON CO., Tenn. (WVLT) - I-81 North at the I-40 split in Jefferson County was closed on Thursday after two tractor-trailers crashed, according to Tennessee Department of Transportation representative Mark Nagi.

Nagi said that one tractor-trailer was hauling bread and overturned. A person was charged with due care as a result of the crash, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol report obtained by WVLT News.

One tractor-trailer, driven by Mecene Estainvill, 49 of Florida, was driving in one lane on I-40 East near the 421-mile marker and the I-40/I-81 split. The second tractor-trailer, driven by Daniel Jenkins, 27, was in another lane.

An unknown white SUV was traveling toward I-81 when it cut in front of Estainvill’s tractor-trailer to continue on I-40 Eastbound. Estainvill reportedly swerved left to avoid the unknown SUV and hit Jenkin’s tractor-trailer on the right side of the trailer.

Jenkins then went into the ditch, started to flip, continued up the embankment and back down into both lanes of I-40 East on its top. Jenkins was injured in the crash, but the extent of his injuries was not reported.

Estainvill pulled over in the grass median while the driver of the unknown SUV continued on I-40 East without stopping, according to the report.

The interstate was closed while crews helped clean the scene and controlled traffic.

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