Wintry mix causes several Jackson wrecks
JACKSON, Tenn. — A wintry mix Thursday morning caused problems for drivers in Madison County. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Jackson police confirm they responded to multiple crashes. “I got to the top of the hill, and there was a big sheet of ice I didn’t see,” driver Jimmy Huggins said. “Lost control of the truck and the rest is history.” Huggins crashed near the intersection of Highland Avenue and the Highway 45 Bypass. “Both of us hit the concrete wall with the driver side,” he said. “It’s a lot of damage up there.” The THP said they had six accidents Thursday morning on Interstate 40 between mile markers 79 and 82, two of them with injuries. “Icing on the overpasses played a big factor in it this morning,” Lt. Paul Dunaway said. Dunaway said he believes all six crashes were weather related. “It’s probably because the cold air gets underneath the bridges,” he said. The Jackson Street Department said crews salted bridges and overpasses Thursday morning. “I think that’s where we had most of our problems at,” Supervisor Johnny Weddle said. “Right now they are getting ready for the next round,” Weddle said as workers put a blade on a salt truck. Huggins said the slick spot took him by surprise. “It’s the only spot I seen like that between here and Selmer,” he said. “So it was a complete surprise.” Weddle said they have 275 tons of salt on hand to treat streets and another 100 tons on the way. The THP encourages drivers to slow down, be aware of their surroundings and pay attention.
