GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Seven people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Gatlinburg on Monday after a southbound minivan unexpectedly accelerated, striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk before colliding with several other vehicles, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
Initial reports indicated six injuries, but the THP later confirmed the total number of injured had risen to seven. The minivan’s sudden acceleration caused it to hit a pedestrian first, and one of the vehicles involved was pushed into a road sign. The sign subsequently fell and struck another pedestrian.
THP Trooper Simpson, speaking in a video posted to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), explained that early investigations suggest a medical emergency may have contributed to the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. No further details on the condition of the injured parties have been released.
