Tragic Interstate Crash Claims Life of 8-Month-Old Baby in Memphis
A devastating multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 40 in Memphis early Friday morning resulted in the tragic death of an 8-month-old infant. According to Memphis Police, the crash occurred on I-40 West between Appling Road and Whitten Road, prompting authorities to shut down the area. The incident involved several vehicles, with one car flipping onto its side. The infant, who was critically injured, was rushed to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital but succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival. Four adults involved in the crash were also transported to nearby hospitals, though their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a harrowing scene. One individual, who was among the first to arrive, reported that the baby had been riding in the backseat of a silver Honda alongside a man and a woman. The witness, along with a security guard, found the infant unresponsive. The guard immediately began administering CPR in a desperate attempt to revive the child until emergency responders arrived. Despite these efforts, the infant could not be saved.
Memphis Police Department spokesperson Carlos Davis provided initial details about the crash, suggesting that one vehicle may have come to a sudden stop, causing a chain reaction. “A vehicle stopped in front of them, and it was rear-ended. The exact sequence of events is still unclear due to the positioning of the vehicles,” Davis explained. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the precise cause of the collision.
The tragedy on I-40 was not the only crash reported in the area that morning. Around the same time, another accident was being investigated on I-240 Midtown, southbound between Lamar Avenue and South Parkway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that incident. Additionally, a third crash occurred on I-55 North near Holmes Road, causing significant traffic delays. These incidents compounded an already chaotic morning for Memphis commuters.
In a separate but related development, Memphis Police revealed that one of the vehicles involved in the I-40 crash had been stolen during a carjacking in Southaven earlier that day. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle was not being pursued by law enforcement at the time of the crash. As the investigation continues, WREG crews are working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding each incident and whether additional injuries have been reported.
This heartbreaking event has left the Memphis community in mourning, as questions about road safety and the circumstances leading to the crash remain unanswered. Updates on the investigation and alternative routes for commuters can be found on local news platforms. Our thoughts are with the family of the infant and all those affected by this tragedy.