In a tragic accident that unfolded on the highways near Knoxville, Tennessee, a University of Tennessee school bus driver lost his life, and two students were injured in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred early Friday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The crash took place on Interstate 40, a major route that connects Knoxville with other parts of the state. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the school bus, which was transporting several students to a nearby field trip, was heading eastbound when a vehicle traveling westbound in the wrong lane struck it head-on. The impact was catastrophic, causing severe damage to the front end of the bus and the vehicle involved.
The bus driver, identified as 58-year-old Samuel Preston, was pronounced dead at the scene. Preston had been driving for the University of Tennessee’s transportation services for over 15 years. Colleagues described him as a dedicated professional, known for his reliability and caring attitude toward the students he transported daily. His sudden death has left both the university and the broader community in mourning.
Two students aboard the bus, a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, sustained injuries in the crash. Authorities stated that both students were immediately rushed to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. Fortunately, their injuries, though serious, are not believed to be life-threatening. One of the students, a witness to the events, described the chaotic moments following the crash, recounting how she and her classmates were shaken but relieved that emergency responders arrived quickly.
The wrong-way driver, a 32-year-old male, was also injured in the collision. He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Authorities have not released his identity, and further investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of his apparent confusion on the road. While alcohol or drugs have not been ruled out, the THP is conducting a full investigation to understand why the driver was traveling against traffic.
In response to the incident, University of Tennessee officials have expressed their condolences and pledged support for the affected students and their families. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Preston, as well as the injured students. This is a devastating tragedy, and we will do everything in our power to support the affected families and our community during this difficult time,” said University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd in a public statement.
Local authorities are also taking steps to ensure that the crash site is fully investigated. The section of Interstate 40 where the crash occurred has seen numerous accidents over the years, sparking concerns about road safety in the area. Though no official link has been established between road conditions and the crash, the incident has brought attention to potential improvements that could prevent such tragedies in the future.
The news of the fatal accident has left the Knoxville community reeling. Many residents have taken to social media to express their sadness and offer prayers for the families affected by the crash. Memorials for Samuel Preston have already started to emerge, with candles and flowers being placed near the site of the accident.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has assured the public that road safety will remain a priority, especially in high-risk areas where wrong-way driving incidents are more likely to occur. However, for now, the community continues to mourn the loss of one of its own while hoping for the speedy recovery of the two injured students.
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