Tractor Trailer Accident on Highway 13 South Last Week Caused by Severe Storm

Just as strong thunderstorms with high winds and torrential rain were moving through Wayne County, the driver of an 18-wheeler hauling lumber had what was undoubtedly a terrifying incident on Highway 13 South. Fortunately, he walked away with no injuries, but the load of lumber was no longer on the flatbed trailer – it was scattered around the area of the wreck.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, Louis Conleay, of Adamsville, TN, was driving a tractor trailer with a flatbed loaded with lumber. According to THP Trooper Andy Webb, Conleay was traveling southbound on Collinwood Highway (Highway 13 South) as a severe thunderstorm moved through the area. Possibly due to the rain covering the roadway, the trailer began to slide off the right side of the road. The driver tried to correct, but the truck began to slide off the right side of the roadway as well. The trailer rotated as the truck crossed Downing Hollow Road and traveled up an embankment. Some small trees were damaged, and a stop sign had to be replaced, but the driver did not sustain any injuries in the wreck. The lumber was loaded onto another trailer and removed from the scene.

By looking at the photos taken at the scene of the wreck, one can certainly say that Mr. Conleay was very fortunate in that he sustained no injuries.