A two-vehicle crash took three lives in Milton around 4:30 Saturday afternoon. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the accident that occurred on highway 96 (Lascassas Pike) near Milton Street.
Trooper Travis Plotzer told WGNS that 52-year old Natasha Bingham of Knoxville was traveling on state highway 96 toward Murfreesboro (westbound) in a 2014 Toyota RAV 4 SUV. She attempted to pass the car in front of her and slammed head-on into a 2013 Nissan Altima driven by 45-year old Christopher Hash of Cookeville. Upon impact, both vehicles went off the roadway.
In addition to both drivers being killed, Ms Bingham's husband, a passenger in the SUV, also died. He was 51-year old Mark Bingham, also from Knoxville.
Rutherford Fire and Rescue Chief Larry Farley explained, "Two life flight helicopters were dispatched to the scene, but were canceled once emergency crews arrived on the scene."
Lieutenant Plotzer noted that none of the deceased persons had their safety belts secured, and that use of these restraints would have made a difference.
Troopers kept the highway closed into Saturday evening hours, while they completed their investigation. In addition to the highway patrol, units from the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office, Rutheroford County Fire and Rescue, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, and the Lascassas Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the tragic crash scene.
