KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One person has died after being hit by a vehicle in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Knoxville Thursday evening. The Knoxville Police Department said in an update Friday morning that the pedestrian did not have any identification on them and their body was sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination and identification.
KPD also shared in its update Friday morning that based on preliminary information, investigators believe the following occurred: “A witness reported seeing the victim lying in the roadway. Shortly after that, the victim was struck by a vehicle that remained on scene. It is believed but unconfirmed that the victim was hit by another unknown vehicle before he was seen in the road by the witness.”
Initial information from KPD states that a person was walking on the interstate just south of the Merchant Drive exit when they were struck. It happened around 6:30 p.m.
The crash temporarily closed I-75 northbound lanes for several hours during rush hour. Lanes reopened around 9 p.m.
The crash remains under active investigation by KPD crash reconstruction personnel, KPD said, and anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.
There are multiple ways you can provide anonymous information to Crime Stoppers. You can call 865-215-7165 or **TIPS, and go online at www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org, via the free mobile app, P3 Tips, or the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Facebook page. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward.
