(MURFREESBORO)  Here's an update on the 18-wheeler that crashed into another big rig on I-840 and flew off the roadway into a deep, thickly wooded, embankment near NW Broad Street.

The incident occured just before dawn this past Saturday (7/29/2023) a little after 4:00AM. Once on the scene, emergency responders found the driver trapped inside the tractor that was overturned and wedged between a thick growth of trees down the deep hillside.

Due to the severe terrain and heavily wooded area, the sun had risen as rescuers brought the injured man up the steep embankment to the I-840 level.  

To get down and back up the embankment, Rescue teams from Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue used chainsaws to cut through the thick brush that included trees and more. They also had to ensure the path to leave the wooded area was clear enough to carry a stretcher and get the injured man to an awaiting ambulance. Then, they had to cut a large enough hole in the roof of the truck to get a spine-board inside the cab. After the man was secured, they pulled the injured driver out of the cab and up the hillside. It was a 200-foot climb up the embankment to the Interstate 840 level.

The driver of the other big rig was not injured.

The name and condition of the injured man has not been released.

Special thanks to Murfreesboro Fire-Rescue crews with Ladder 4, Rescue 4, Engine 5, Engine 7, Engine 9, Ladder 11, Rescue 11, Safety 1, Safety 2, and Battalion Chief 2.  In addition, Paramedics from Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) stabalized the injured person and rushed him to the ER. Also, special thanks to the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Rutherford County Sheriffs Office.

During the rescue, one of the MFR team members suffered heat-related injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. He was released. Another rescue team member injured his knee from maneuvering the rough terrain.

NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed as new developments are released by the authorities.