Chaotic Downtown Accident in Gatlinburg: 6 Injured in Multi-Vehicle Collision

Authorities in a bustling tourist destination are working to determine the cause of a significant traffic collision that occurred over the weekend, resulting in multiple injuries. The incident, involving several vehicles, took place in downtown Gatlinburg on Sunday, June 1, in the midst of a busy area where numerous tourists were exploring, shopping, and dining. Gatlinburg, a sought-after resort town near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, was the site of this chaotic event, captured in videos obtained by social media licensing agency Storyful. Witnesses recounted seeing a white van speeding recklessly, estimated to be around 100 miles per hour, before colliding with several vehicles. The aftermath of the crash displayed severe damage to numerous cars and debris scattered across the road, with some vehicles even ending up on the sidewalk. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, tending to the injured individuals, some of whom included pedestrians. According to the City of Gatlinburg, at least six people were injured, with three requiring airlift transportation to the nearby University of Tennessee Medical Center, while the others were taken by ambulance for medical attention. Local reports suggested that the Tennessee Highway Patrol attributed the crash to a potential medical emergency, detailing how a minivan driver unexpectedly accelerated, first striking a person in the crosswalk and then causing further collisions. Additionally, a road sign was reported to have fallen and caused injury to another pedestrian on the sidewalk. The Tennessee Highway Patrol indicated that five other occupants in different vehicles sustained injuries, although specific details were not provided.