1 dead, 1 injured following tractor-trailer crash in Stewart County

STEWART COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Wednesday night collision between two tractor-trailers in Stewart County killed one driver and injured another, officials reported.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the incident happened at approximately 9:37 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

Authorities said a 2022 International tractor-trailer was heading west on State Highway 79 — a two-lane road — while a 2021 Volvo tractor-trailer was heading east.

Then, at the intersection with Fort Henry Road, the International veered left across the double yellow line and hit the Volvo, THP said. Both vehicles reportedly came to rest across their oncoming travel lane and off the shoulder of the road.

According to officials, the driver of the International — identified as 75-year-old Paul L. Etherton of Tennessee — died after the crash.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Volvo — described by THP as a 32-year-old Florida man — was hurt in the crash, but there is no word on the nature of his injuries.

Both drivers were reportedly wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. Authorities said no charges are pending in connection with the incident.