UPDATE: Speed and Alcohol Linked to Destructive High-Speed Crash on Lebanon’s Downtown Square

Dec 17, 2024 at 03:03 pm by WGNS Radio News

Photo from Lebanon Police (Scroll Down for Video of Actual Accident)

LEBANON, Tenn. – An early Sunday morning crash in Lebanon’s downtown square left multiple businesses and city infrastructure damaged after a vehicle went airborne, plowing through a roundabout and causing a trail of destruction that covered about 700-yards. The incident, captured by surveillance cameras, revealed the car failed to navigate the roundabout, instead launching into the air after hitting the curb. The airborne vehicle missed a large statue that was in the middle of the square by a matter of about 3 to 4 feet.

Speed and alcohol have been cited as contributing factors, according to a preliminary Lebanon Police Department (LPD) investigation. The release from Lebanon officials stated, “Their preliminary investigation revealed that speed and alcohol are believed to be factors involved in the wreck.”  The two occupants of the vehicle are reportedly from Rutherford and Davidson Counties.

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Around 3:25 a.m., a patrol officer noticed the vehicle traveling eastbound at high speed on West Main Street but opted not to pursue due to poor weather conditions and the vehicle's speed. Instead, officers were notified to keep an eye out for the speeding car.

Unfortunately, the precautionary efforts did not prevent the ensuing crash, which again - - left behind a trail of destruction. The vehicle damaged a fire hydrant, light posts, trees, and storefronts, with debris like wrought iron fencing embedded into the interior of one business.

Both the driver and passenger were still in the vehicle when first responders arrived. One individual sustained serious, life-threatening injuries, while the other did not. Both were transported to the hospital. Thankfully, no other motorists or bystanders were involved in the crash.

In the aftermath, police closed the roundabout to investigate the scene, necessitating the closure of adjacent roads and through streets such as College Street and East Main Street. Traffic was rerouted until the roads fully reopened at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

A news release from LPD reiterated that speed and alcohol are believed to be key factors in this early morning wreck. Scroll down for a video of the accident. The video is from the Lebanon Police Department.

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