Avoiding common car crashes
Discover the common causes of car crashes and learn how to avoid them.
Two people died and nearly 40 people were injured in a Greyhound bus crash on a western Tennessee highway, according to first responders.
Lt. Christopher Hosick of the Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed the two deaths in a statement on May 27.
“The collision involved a passenger vehicle and a large passenger bus,” Hosick wrote in an email. “I can confirm two fatalities and multiple others with injuries. The investigation is still ongoing.”
Highway patrol declined to say how the collision happened but said the department will release a preliminary information report when it is available.
The incident happened May 26 around 6:48 p.m. on Highway 70 east in Madison County, according to Madison County Fire Rescuenear Jackson, Tennessee.
Fire rescue authorities said 39 people were injured, and ambulances took 27 of them to facilities for treatment.
Bus was traveling from Memphis to Nashville when the accident happened
According to a Greyhound spokesperson, the bus was traveling from Memphis to Nashville. Thirty-two passengers, one bus operator and one relief driver were on board, the spokesperson told USA TODAY on May 27.
“Thirty people were hospitalized, and most have already been released,” Greyhound said. “Our team is actively investigating the situation and providing necessary assistance to our passengers, the driver, and law enforcement. As the investigation is ongoing, we have no further comments at this time.”
There was no word yet on whether the five other people who were injured were from a separate vehicle or vehicles. USA TODAY is reaching out to authorities for more information.
Cause of accident unknown
Fire rescue did not say exactly what happened. According to fire and rescue, multiple agencies responded to the accident, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and MedCenter EMS.
When contacted on May 27, the sheriff’s office referred USA TODAY to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. MedCenter EMS did not immediately respond.
“We ask the community to please avoid the area for the next several hours to allow emergency personnel to safely manage the situation,” fire rescue posted online.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident, and we remain committed to providing the highest level of care and support.”
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
