Six Hospitalized After Downtown Gatlinburg Crash on Parkway — Three Airlifted to UT Medical Center
GATLINBURG, Tenn – A quiet Sunday afternoon in downtown Gatlinburg was abruptly disrupted when a serious multi-car crash occurred in one of the busiest parts of the city, resulting in multiple injuries and a major emergency response.
According to officials with the City of Gatlinburg, the crash took place in the 700 block of Parkway, a heavily traveled section of downtown, around 4:15 p.m. on Sunday. The area, typically bustling with tourists and local traffic, quickly became the scene of a major accident response involving police, fire crews, and emergency medical services.
Authorities confirmed that at least six individuals were injured in the collision, with three victims requiring emergency air transport to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville due to the severity of their injuries. The remaining three injured were transported by ground ambulance to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The identities of the victims and the extent of their injuries have not yet been released.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and frightening moment as vehicles collided near a busy intersection. Several bystanders reported hearing a loud crash, followed by screams and the sounds of emergency sirens as first responders rushed to the scene. At least one vehicle appeared to have sustained significant front-end damage, and another had reportedly rolled over onto its side during the impact.
Emergency medical helicopters were seen landing in the vicinity of the crash site, temporarily halting pedestrian movement in the area. Firefighters and police officers worked to free individuals trapped in the vehicles, using specialized extraction equipment.
“This was a serious and unfortunate incident,” a Gatlinburg city spokesperson said in a statement. “Our first responders acted swiftly and professionally, and their efforts undoubtedly made a difference in getting those injured the urgent care they needed.”
As of 6:45 p.m. Sunday, the section of Parkway where the crash occurred remains closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Officials are urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes, warning that closures may remain in place for several more hours as investigators work to piece together what caused the crash.
Gatlinburg police are currently conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of the collision. While no official cause has been determined, authorities are expected to review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and obtain statements from witnesses and those involved.
The crash occurred on a weekend known to draw significant tourist activity, especially during the summer season. Parkway, also known as U.S. Highway 441, serves as the main artery through the heart of Gatlinburg, connecting travelers to local attractions and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Traffic congestion in the area is a known issue, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Sunday’s crash marks one of the more serious incidents to occur in the downtown area in recent months, and it has prompted renewed calls from some residents and business owners for increased traffic control and safety measures in the city center.
“We’re thankful more people weren’t hurt, but this shows just how vulnerable this area can be to a serious traffic event,” said one nearby shop owner, who witnessed the aftermath. “With the number of people walking around and how tight the roads are, something like this can turn tragic in seconds.”
City officials have not yet announced when the affected section of Parkway will reopen but confirmed they will release updates as the investigation progresses.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant video footage is encouraged to contact the Gatlinburg Police Department.