Jackson County: A 47 year old Tennessee truck driver was killed today in an early morning crash. According to Trooper Matt Holley, at approximately 2:30 this morning a 2013 Peterbilt semi pulling a 53 foot box trailer was northbound on I-65. As the semi crossed the bridge on I-65 over U.S. 31 the driver lost control on the snow and ice covered roadway. The vehicle then struck the guardrail then drove between the guardrail and the concrete bridge barrier on the northbound side. After leaving the roadway the semi went down the embankment and struck the concrete barrier separating the bridge from U.S. 31. During impact the trailer detached and went thru the cab killing the driver identified as 47 year old Lazaro A. Melendez of Antioch, TN.
Tpr. Holley was assisted at the scene by Jackson County Sherriff’s Department, Vernon township fire Department, Jackson County EMS, and 31 Wrecker Service. U.S. 31 remains closed at this time.
