Three people were injured in a four vehicle accident Wednesday at the intersection of West Broad and Mountain Street in Smithville.
29 year old Steven Davidson, Jr. and 40 year old Stephanie Gray both of Smithville were taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Community Hospital and then airlifted to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. 70 year old Robert Horton of Walling, Tennessee was transported by ambulance to the local hospital for treatment.
According to Trooper Brandon Jackson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Horton was east on Broad Street (Highway 70) in a blue F150 truck when he rear ended a 1991 Buick Lesabre, setting in the eastbound lane in front of him. The Buick, driven by Davidson, was stopped for the traffic light at the intersection. Trooper Jackson said Horton claims he accidentally accelerated instead of applying the brakes to stop.
After hitting the Buick, Horton’s truck then crossed into the westbound turning lane on Broad Street and struck a blue 2011 Ford Fiesta, driven by 57 year old Jamye Atnip of Smithville. 29 year old Elizabeth Atnip of Smithville was a passenger with Jamye. Trooper Jackson said the Atnip car was stopped in the turning lane, waiting to turn left when it was hit head on.
Horton’s truck then moved into the westbound lane and hit a black 2004 F150 driven by 18 year old Benjamin Curtis of Alexandria. Curtis was stopped at the traffic light.
Both Davidson and Gray were entrapped in their car requiring extrication by members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department.
Neither the Atnip’s nor Curtis were injured in the wreck.
Horton was cited for driving on an expired license, failure to exercise due care, and failure to obey traffic instructions (light). Davidson was cited for driving while (license) suspended.
Smithville Police were also on the scene to assist.
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