When people take risks on the road, the results can be deadly. A couple from Speedwell was killed over the weekend when they were struck by another vehicle. Police say the other driver had been consuming alcohol at the time of the fatal car accident. He’s facing criminal charges, possibly related to drunk driving.
The crash happened on Highway 63 near its intersection with Quarry Road at about 7:30 p.m. on a recent evening, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. A 46-year-old man from Ewing, Virginia, reportedly crossed the center line in his Chevy sedan and collided with the couple’s Toyota Tacoma. The couple, who were both 63 years old, died as a result of their injuries, according to Knoxnews.com.
Another driver, a 28-year-old man from Harrogate who had been traveling behind the couple, apparently clipped the back of their car when the crash occurred. Based on various news reports, it’s unclear if that driver was injured.
The man who appears to have caused the crash by crossing the center line was drinking at the time of the accident, police say. He apparently was injured, but the extent of his injuries was not reported.
The investigation is ongoing. According to the THP, they were able to determine that all parties involved were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Officers added that due to the nature of the accident, the restraints probably did not make much difference.
Criminal charges will likely be filed soon.
Source: Clairborne Progress, “Crash kills Speedwell couple,” Maris Anders, Nov. 7, 2011