KNOXVILLE, TENN. -- One westbound lane of I-40 near the Watt Road exit was re-opened late Tuesday night following a tractor trailer crash that sent three people to the hospital. All eastbound lanes were open.

THP troopers said after the two tractor trailers crashed around 6:30 p.m. Debris from one of the vehicles hit a separate pick-up truck that was driving nearby. One tractor trailer caught fire as a result of the crash.

Ambulances took three people to hospitals; the driver of one of the tractor trailers and two in the truck were taken to UT Medical Center.

At last check-- two patients were in critical condition and one was stable condition.

Meanwhile, troopers were looking for a white tractor trailer with a red "M" on it that may be responsible for the accident.

"He did go westbound at last sight. We did have some witnesses and they're working with troopers on scene right now," said THP trooper Sgt. Randall Martin.

While crews were dealing with the crash, drivers were dealing with a large traffic back-up that included I-40 as well as Kingston Pike, since drivers were trying to avoid the mess on the interstate.

"We were sitting there for about half an hour and then people started coming back, the other way in the breakdown lane to get out and find another route," said driver Jeff Nation.

THP is investigating this crash. No word if the other tractor trailer has been found.

Update 8:30 pm I-40 is still shut down west of Watt Road as crews work to put out and clean up after a fiery crash. Traffic is being diverted off the interstate onto Kingston Pike and Pellissippi Parkway.

According to Kim Sepesi with Rural/Metro, they received a report of a semi hitting a truck and turning over at 6:31 pm.

The Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad responded to help extricate at least one victim from the wreckage. Three patients were transported to the hospital, there is no word on their conditions, though one of them was a burn victim.

Update 7:25 pm: According to Sgt Randall Martin with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash involved a tractor trailer that may have been hauling salt and a passenger vehicle. At least one patient was pinned in the wreckage, which did catch fire. The accident also took out a portion of the retaining wall at the 370.2 mile marker.

Previous story

All lanes of Interstate 40 east of Watt Road are closed because of a tractor trailer accident.

The accident was reported at 6:30 pm in the westbound lanes. According to TDOT's website, there is a fire associated with the accident. Smoke could be seen rising from the scene of the accident.

Knox County dispatchers say they have no word on any injuries, but UT's Lifestar medical helicopter has been sent to the scene, as well as several ambulances.

Traffic is backed up in both directions. Westbound interstate traffic is being diverted on to Watt Road and to Kingston Pike.

A 10News viewer, Kelly White of Greenback, witnessed the accident and sent in a picture. He says "The truck burst into flames as soon as it hit the median, which happened right in front of me. I pray the driver is ok."

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/181248/2/I-40-shut-down-in-West-Knox-after-fiery-accident

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/aug/23/fiery-crash-shuts-down-i-40-westbound-lanes-at/

http://dragonaters.blogspot.com/2011/08/hit-and-run-trucker-causes-firey-truck.html

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