CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A motorist, 46, was killed when an SUV heading the wrong way on Highway 27 slammed head-on into their car in Chattanooga at about 2 a.m. Sunday, the Chattanooga Police Department said.
Early findings show a Mazda CX-5 was traveling south while in the northbound lanes. It struck a Mercedes CLS 550 that was going the correct direction along a half-mile section of the highway.
Both people were badly hurt, and medics rushed each of them for treatment. The person behind the wheel of the Mercedes did not survive. Police have not released either driver’s name, and they have not said what caused the Mazda to end up on the wrong side of the divided road.
Investigators from the department’s traffic and DUI unit are handling the case, which remains under review. No charges had been announced as of Sunday.
Officers were sent to the northbound side of the highway after a call about a crash involving more than one vehicle in the early morning darkness. By the time they arrived, the two cars had met nearly head-on along the half-mile section where the collision happened.
Police described their findings so far as preliminary. The latest condition of the Mazda driver was not released, and investigators have not said whether impairment, speed or anything else played a role. Those answers, and any decision on charges, are expected to come as the traffic and DUI investigators finish reconstructing the wreck and reviewing evidence from the scene.
The police department is asking anyone who saw the crash, or who has information about the Mazda before it entered the northbound lanes, to call 423-698-2525.
Section: More Chattanooga TN crime news
Filed under: Chattanooga TN Traffic News
