One person is dead and two others were hospitalized after a crash on Ochs Highway on Saturday morning, February 17. News reporting outlet, WRCBtv, stated the crash occurred around 10:40 a.m.
Students received a text and/or email from ScotsAlert at 1:30 p.m. informing them Ochs Highway was closed and to take an alternate route. Confusion arose as drivers rerouted, but here’s the story:
The Chattanooga Police Department reports the crash involved Mallory Baldschun, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A juvenile from Baldschun’s car and a man named James Wilson were both taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Wilson stated to C.P.D. he lost control of his 18-wheeler due to brake trouble on his way down Lookout Mountain. C.P.D. reports the truck sideswiped a Chrysler and a Subaru before hitting Baldschun’s Toyota Tacoma head on.
According to police reports, Wilson’s 18-wheeler was full of hazardous material, and a hazmat team came on the scene. Ochs Highway residents were evacuated due to possible fluid leakage.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press also reported the Environmental Protection Agency sent agents to the crash scene.
The C.P.D. tweeted Ochs Highway was reopened around 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning, February 18.
Prayers for the child, Wilson, and all affected by the tragic accident are needed now and in the future.