HIXSON, Tenn. — A woman lost her life Thursday afternoon in a multi-vehicle collision on Middle Valley Road after authorities say she crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a pickup truck nearly head-on. The crash, which involved five vehicles in total, happened shortly after 2 p.m. in the 7000 block of Middle Valley Road, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim has been identified as Heather Haynes, who was driving northbound when her vehicle veered across the center line into the southbound lane. Officials say her vehicle collided almost head-on with a pickup truck, triggering a chain reaction that led to further collisions involving additional vehicles. Several cars sustained damage during the crash.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, Haynes was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released details about potential injuries to other drivers or passengers in the affected vehicles. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident created significant traffic delays in the area as deputies shut down part of Middle Valley Road to allow first responders to work and investigators to document the scene. Tow trucks were called in to remove multiple damaged vehicles, while crash reconstruction units gathered evidence to determine the sequence of events.
This tragic accident was not the only fatal crash in Hamilton County that day. Just hours later, on Thursday evening, another woman was killed when the van she was traveling in struck a tree at high speed. Officials have not yet identified the victim in that separate incident.
The back-to-back fatalities highlight a particularly deadly 24-hour period on Hamilton County roads. Law enforcement is urging drivers to remain cautious, avoid distractions, and stay alert behind the wheel. Investigators are expected to release further updates as they continue piecing together the details of both fatal crashes.