Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

23-006068 (Incident Report)

A white 2017 Chevrolet Express van, occupied by eight males, was southbound on Interstate 81 just north of exit 63 (Airport Parkway) when the left front tire became flat and the driver pulled the van onto the right-hand shoulder. Three of the occupants remained in the van. Five of the occupants exited the van and began working to repair the flat tire.

Shortly thereafter, a red Peterbilt tractor-trailer, driven and solely occupied by Saul A. Carrera (60 years of age of New York, NY), was southbound on Interstate 81. The tractor-trailer veered to the right onto the shoulder, sideswiped the van, and struck all five of the pedestrians who were working to repair the tire.

The tractor-trailer continued south a short distance, and then jack-knifed and overturned off the right side of the roadway. Mr. Carrera received non-incapacitating injuries and was transported by Sullivan County EMS to an area hospital for treatment.

Four of the five pedestrians were killed. The fifth pedestrian sustained suspected major injuries and was transported by Sullivan County EMS to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment. As of the time of issuance of this release, he remains hospitalized in critical condition. The identities of the victims are detailed in the accompanying tables.

The three occupants who remained inside the van were not injured.

Based upon officers’ observations and evidence collected at the scene, investigators established probable cause to determine that Mr. Carrera was operating the tractor-trailer while impaired. A warrant was obtained, charging him with the following:

• Vehicle Homicide by Intoxication (4 counts)
• Reckless Aggravated Assault
• Felony Reckless Endangerment
• Driving Under the Influence in a Commercial Vehicle
• Failure to Exercise Due Care

As of the time of issuance of this release, Mr. Carrera remains hospitalized in stable condition under police guard. Upon his discharge, he will be taken into custody and transported to jail. His bond has been set at $200,000.

As a result of this crash and the lengthy investigation that followed, the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 remained closed for several hours; however, they have since been reopened.

This remains an open and active investigation by the K.P.D. Traffic Unit. As such, and in the interest of future prosecution, absolutely no further details can or will be released at this time.

As previously released:

On March 26, 2023 at approximately 7:00 PM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a motor vehicle collision involving an overturned tractor-trailer on southbound Interstate 81, just north of exit 63 (Airport Parkway) in Kingsport. Due to the serious nature of the crash, the K.P.D. Traffic Unit is responding to the scene to investigate.

All southbound lanes are currently blocked. Northbound traffic is likely to be affected as well. Southbound traffic is currently being diverted at exit 66 (SR 126). TDOT is responding to implement detours. Specific inquiries regarding these detours should be directed to TDOT.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the area for the next several hours. Anyone already in the area is asked to slow down, pay attention, exercise caution and patience, and obey all traffic instructions.

No further details involving the crash are currently available. Further information will be shared as it becomes available, but only at an appropriate point in the investigation.

· Reckless Aggravated Assault

· Felony Reckless Endangerment

· Driving Under the Influence in a Commercial Vehicle

· Failure to Exercise Due Care

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton