Gatlinburg minivan crash kills one, injures six
A minivan’s medical emergency triggered a multi‑vehicle wreck in downtown Gatlinburg, killing one person and injuring six others in a busy tourist area.
Key points
- Minivan driver suffered a seizure, causing the vehicle to accelerate and strike a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
- The minivan then collided with several cars, one of which hit a roadside sign that toppled onto another pedestrian.
- Three injured were airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center; three others went to local hospitals.
- The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Gatlinburg Police closed a section of Parkway for hours to investigate and clear debris.
- Early investigation points to the driver’s medical episode as the cause of the crash.
A chaotic multi-vehicle wreck shook downtown Gatlinburg on Sunday afternoon, leaving one person dead and six others injured in the heart of the busy tourist district. The crash unfolded around:15 p.m. in the 700 block of Parkway, a stretch packed with visitors enjoying shops and restaurants near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Authorities say the incident began when the driver of a minivan suffered a medical emergency—reportedly a seizure—causing the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly. The minivan struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk before colliding with multiple cars. One of the impacted vehicles then hit a roadside sign, which toppled and injured another pedestrian.
Three of the injured were airlifted in serious condition to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, while three others were transported by ambulance to local hospitals. The identities of those involved have not yet been released.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Gatlinburg Police closed off a section of Parkway for several hours as they investigated the scene and cleared debris. Officials are continuing to investigate, but early findings point to the driver’s medical episode as the cause of the crash.
Your questions, answered
What caused the Gatlinburg crash?
Officials say the minivan driver had a medical emergency, reportedly a seizure, which caused the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly.
How many people were injured in the Gatlinburg crash?
Six people were injured; three were airlifted in serious condition to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, and three were taken to local hospitals.
Quick poll
Do you think medical emergencies should be more closely monitored for drivers?
0 votes
How does this story make you feel?
Topics
Up next · ScienceMan with flamethrower attacks Boulder protest on Pearl Street
