A mass casualty incident has been declared in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after a driver suffered a seizure and crashed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians in the heart of the busy downtown tourist district.
According to local officials, a female driver reportedly experienced a medical emergency and accidentally accelerated instead of braking, triggering a multi-vehicle collision that caused widespread injuries and at least one confirmed fatality.
Emergency crews, including EMS, fire, and police units, responded rapidly to the scene. Downtown Gatlinburg remains shut down as authorities continue their investigation and triage the injured.
What We Know So Far
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Time of Incident: Afternoon of June 1, 2025
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Location: Downtown Gatlinburg, a major tourist area
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Cause: Female driver reportedly had a seizure and unintentionally hit the gas
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Impact: Several pedestrians and vehicles struck
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Casualties: At least one confirmed death; others transported with varying degrees of injury
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Status: Mass casualty incident declared; road closures in effect
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as visitors enjoying the sunny day were suddenly caught in the path of the out-of-control vehicle.
“It happened so fast—people were screaming, some were on the ground, and cars were smashed everywhere,” one tourist told local media.
Gatlinburg Fire and EMS services activated a mass casualty response protocol, deploying additional ambulances and trauma teams to nearby hospitals.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the driver involved.
Downtown Gatlinburg Remains Closed
Police have cordoned off large sections of Parkway and River Road, urging visitors and locals to avoid the area while investigators reconstruct the crash scene.
Motorists and tourists are advised to check official updates from the Gatlinburg Police Department and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for real-time information.
Tourist Hotspot Shaken by Tragedy
Known for its mountain scenery and family attractions, Gatlinburg attracts millions of visitors annually. The incident has shocked the local community, many of whom were preparing for peak summer tourism.
Investigation Underway
The Tennessee Highway Patrol and local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the medical event and whether any additional contributing factors were involved.
Further details, including the number of people hospitalized and their conditions, are expected to be released in an official press briefing later today.
