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Kingsport Police Department
200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX) |
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| NEWS RELEASE | |||
| SUBJECT: | Two Tractor Trailer Crash Closes Northbound I-81 | ||
| DATE: | June 30, 2015 | ||
| CASE #: | 15-013775 | ||
| GENERAL NARRATIVE |
| On June 30, 2015 at approximately 3:30 PM, Officers from the Kingsport Police Department’s Patrol Division and Traffic Unit responded to a motor vehicle collision involving two tractor trailers on Interstate 81 at the 58 mile marker.
After a thorough analysis of the crash scene and a review of statements given by both drivers and three independent witnesses, investigators were able to determine that the following occurred: A 2001 International tractor-trailer, driven by Ram Avtar and owned by Papineau International, was northbound on Interstate 81 at the 58 mile marker in the right lane. A 1990 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, driven by Michael S. Franklin and owned by T and B Contractors, was traveling in the same right northbound lane behind the International tractor-trailer. The International began a lane change to the left lane. As this occurred, the Peterbilt began to pass the International. The International then swerved back into the original right lane into the path of the Peterbilt. The Peterbilt struck the International in the rear of the trailer. As a result of the collision, the Peterbilt jack-knifed, struck the cable barrier, and came to rest blocking both northbound lanes of I-81. Mr. Avtar was not injured in the crash. Mr. Franklin received non-incapacitating injuries; however, he declined immediate medical care. The International tractor-trailer received moderate damage and could be driven away from the scene; however, the Peterbilt received disabling damage and had to be towed away. The northbound lanes of Interstate 81 remained closed for approximately two hours as a result of the crash. Both drivers were cited for contributing to the crash with Mr. Avtar receiving a citation for making an improper lane change and Mr. Franklin receiving a citation for following too closely. |
| COLLISION VEHICLE #1 INFORMATION | ||
| Make | International | |
| Model | 9200 | |
| Year | 2001 | |
| Type | Tractor Trailer | |
| Color | White | |
| Damage | Moderate Damage | |
| Owner | Papineau International
Longueil, Quebec |
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| Driver | Name | Ram Avtar |
| Age | 51 Years of Age | |
| Gender/Race | Male/White | |
| Residency | Longueil, Quebec | |
| Injuries | No Injuries | |
| COLLISION VEHICLE #2 INFORMATION | ||
| Make | Peterbilt | |
| Model | Truck Tractor | |
| Year | 1990 | |
| Type | Tractor Trailer | |
| Color | Red | |
| Damage | Disabling Damage | |
| Owner | T and B Contractors
Bristol, TN |
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| Driver | Name | Michael S. Franklin |
| Age | 23 Years of Age | |
| Gender/Race | Male/White | |
| Residency | Church Hill, TN | |
| Injuries | Non-Incapacitating Injuries | |
| RELEASING OFFICER | ||
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Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit |
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