The Tennessee Department of Transportation said a worker was fatally injured Thursday along Interstate 40 West near mile marker 156 in Hickman County. The TDOT Operations Technician was with a road crew that had stopped on the shoulder of the interstate. The crew, including several workers and a caravan of vehicles, was struck by a commercial vehicle. Three other TDOT workers were injured in this crash that remains under investigation.
The worker killed in the crash had been with the department since 2010. He was hired as a maintenance worker, and was quickly promoted through the ranks to become an Operations Technician 3. His death is the first TDOT fatality since 2013. TDOT will release the name of the worker once his family has been notified.
“Our hearts are broken at the news that we lost one of our own today and that three others were injured,” said Governor Bill Haslam. “It’s a reminder of the many state employees who work in dangerous jobs every day to serve our state and their fellow Tennesseans. We are grateful for them. Crissy and I send our prayers to the families of the victim and those injured and to the entire TDOT family across the state.”
“The Department of Safety and Homeland Security is saddened by the tragedy that occurred last weekend in Marion County,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “Our condolences are with the victim’s family and the Trooper Clyde Reeves and his family. This is a sad situation for all involved. This is an ongoing investigation therefore, we are working with the District Attorney’s Office and are not at liberty to release information.”
“Thank you for your patience with this matter.”
Counselors will be provided for fellow employees in the middle Tennessee Region 3 and across the state as needed.
Since 1948, 110 TDOT workers have lost their lives while working on Tennessee roadways.