A Russell County man was killed and three others injured in a fiery tractor trailer crash on Interstate 75 in Campbell County, Tennessee on Wednesday afternoon, August 27.

The wreck claimed the life of Timmy Holt, a driver for Superior Battery in Russell Springs, and resulted in the closure of all lanes of I-75 in Campbell County for approximately eight hours.

The crash was reported about 2 p.m. central time near Caryville when Tennessee Highway Patrol officials said Holt’s northbound tractor trailer hauling batteries veered across the median and struck a southbound R and L Carriers tanker truck loaded with hazardous oxidizing material, striking a passenger vehicle in the collision as well, according to reports from the scene.

Both trucks became engulfed in flames, and hazardous materials crews were called in. At one point an evacuation order was given to anyone within a half mile of the crash but that was soon lifted.

Officials say there was no radioactive material on any of the trucks.

About 80 people from multiple Tennessee agencies responded to the scene, according to reports.

The University of Tennessee Medical Center confirmed one patient was flown there via emergency helicopter, and another victim was taken there too, according to reports. Their conditions had not been released at press time. Two firefighters were also injured battling the blaze.

Crash investigators have yet to determine what initially caused Holt’s northbound truck to cross the grass median and the cause is still being investigated by authorities.

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Russell County Industrial Development Authority has begun working in agreement with Fruit of the Loom and state agencies to begin the process of marketing the existing structure.

At the monthly meeting last Monday, August 25, of the RCIDA, they voted to enter into an agreement in which they will partner with the state and Fruit of the Loom to participate in the process of marketing the FOL properties to potential industries to locate in Russell County.

One initial phase will be working with Fruit of the Loom on applying for an environmental assessment of the plant’s properties, a standard procedure for an existing industry which helps promote cleanup and redevelopment.

The RCIDA will be applying for the reassessment on behalf of Fruit of the Loom.