One dead, multiple people injured after crash on Maynardville Highway, KCSO says

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Multiple people were injured and one was killed after a crash on Maynardville Highway Friday, according to officials with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Crews were called to Maynardville Highway near Loyston Road in North Knox County around 8 p.m. and found three cars had crashed into each other.

Avery Eskridge was pronounced dead on the scene, and the three other drivers involved were transported to UT Medical Center, deputies with KCSO said in a report.

Witnesses on the scene told officers that Eskridge was speeding while attempting to pass other vehicles in the turning lane, before drifting into the northbound lanes causing a head-on collision, KCSO said.

“The wreckage would indicate speed was definitely a contributing factor, but THP is investigating and will determine the exact cause,” officials said. “Please remember to never drive distracted and always wear seatbelt.”

This crash is still under investigation, pending results from the Knox County Examiner’s office.