One dead following I-40 crash that caused hours-long closures

Knoxville police said one person is dead following a Tuesday morning crash on Interstate 40.

Police responded to the crash around 8:39 a.m. on I-40 East near Asheville Highway where officials said a tractor-trailer overturned.

According to witness statements, investigators said the tractor-trailer was traveling on !-40 East when it lost control, struck the median and flipped.

The trailer also struck the hanging interstate sign and knocked it down into another tractor-trailer traveling on I-40 West. All lanes of I-40 on both sides were temporarily blocked until emergency responders completely cleared the scene and opened all lanes around 1 p.m.

The identity of the victim is being withheld while officials notify next of kin.