Pedestrian Struck After Crash on I-24

A driver standing outside a wrecked vehicle was hit by a third car on I-24 near Chattanooga.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Accidents

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stark highway barrier on asphalt, evoking the gravity of road safety.
A man remains in stable condition after being struck by a vehicle on the shoulder of I-24 near Chattanooga on September 25, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A man remains hospitalized in stable condition after being struck by a vehicle on I-24 near Chattanooga on September 25, 2026. The incident occurred following an initial two-car collision at mile marker 179.

Why it matters

Roadside safety remains a critical concern for drivers involved in highway accidents who exit their vehicles. The incident highlights the dangers of remaining near traffic following a crash.

Official reports confirm one serious injury resulting from the incident at mile marker 179. Law enforcement continues to process the scene while the injured pedestrian is treated in stable condition.

The details

The initial two-car collision occurred at 7:22 PM on the shoulder of I-24. A third vehicle subsequently drove onto the shoulder, striking the man and his own vehicle while he was standing outside the wreckage.

Timeline

  1. The initial two-car collision occurred at 7:22 PM on September 25, 2026.

Legal Context

This incident reflects a recurring issue regarding driver safety during highway collisions in Tennessee. It follows patterns identified by state safety protocols that emphasize the hazards of lingering on highway shoulders.

Residents should exercise extreme caution and remain inside their vehicles if forced to pull onto the shoulder of I-24. This event serves as a stark reminder that highway shoulders are not safe zones for pedestrians.

The takeaway

Drivers involved in minor fender benders should prioritize staying inside their vehicles or moving well away from the roadway. Always signal for help from the safety of the car until emergency responders arrive on the scene.

Further reading

Learn more about local emergency response trends in the Chattanooga section.