2 killed in Clinton Highway crash

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Two people were killed in a crash on Clinton Highway, according to Rural Metro Fire spokesperson Jeff Bagwell.

Fire crews responded to a crash at around 6:50 p.m.

When crews arrived, they found four cars had crashed with one person trapped and a driver ejected.

Two people died in the crash, according to Bagwell. One person was transported to the hospital with what Bagwell called non-life-threatening injuries

Jacqueline Birdwell, 52, was traveling southbound on Clinton Highway and crossed over into northbound traffic, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol preliminary report.

Birdwell’s 2016 Kia Soul sideswiped a 2021 Subaru Forester and lost control. THP officials said her car went airborne and landed on top of a third car, a 2019 Honda CRV.

The driver of the Honda CRV, later identified as Ronald Bryan, 74, died, according to the report. Margaret Bryan, 74, was also in the car and was sent to the hospital with what Bagwell called non-life-threatening injuries.

Birdwell’s car continued moving forward and sideswiped a fourth car. Birdwell’s car came to a rest in the middle of Clinton Highway, and THP officials said she was ejected from the front windshield.

The report said Birdwell was not wearing a seatbelt.

“Always remember to wear your seatbelts, slow down, and don’t drive distracted. Your life could depend on it!” Bagwell said.

Bagwell said that Clinton Highway would be closed for at least a few hours. All lanes reopened by 10 p.m.

This is a developing story.

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