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Authorities: 1 dead, 8 rushed to hospital after crash near Tennessee airport

Man who died reportedly was driving wrong way
One person has died and eight others, including five children, were rushed to the hospital after a crash near Nashville International Airport on Wednesday night, according to multiple reports. (AJC file photo)
One person has died and eight others, including five children, were rushed to the hospital after a crash near Nashville International Airport on Wednesday night, according to multiple reports. (AJC file photo)
By Rich Barak
Updated June 3, 2021

One person has died and eight others, including five children, were rushed to the hospital after a crash near Nashville International Airport on Wednesday night, according to multiple reports.

Emergency crews responded to a head-on crash near Briley Parkway South and Airways Boulevard about 8:30 p.m., News4 Nashville reported. At least two vehicles were involved in the crash, News4 reported, citing authorities.

Multiple patients were in critical condition, according to NewsChannel5 in Nashville, citing the Nashville Fire Department. The crash victims were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center or Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, according to NewsChannel5.

Michael Allen Riley, 25, of Murfreesboro was traveling the wrong way in the southbound lanes of Briley Parkway when his Nissan Sentra collided with a Chevrolet Malibu driven by Yolanda Johnson, 45, of La Vergne, News4 Nashville reported. Riley died at the scene.

Johnson had seven passengers, including six children ranging in age from 3 months to 13 years, in her vehicle, News4 reported. Police told News4 that Johnson was critically injured as were three of the children: a 3-month-old, an 8-month-old and a 13-year-old.

Police told News4 they did not know why Riley was driving the wrong way on Briley Parkway. A blood sample from Riley will be tested by the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor, News4 reported.

About the Author

· Rich Barak works in the sports department as a leader/coach. In his career, Barak has covered everyone from Tommy Lasorda to Timothy Leary. He can be reached via email at Richard.Barak@ajc.com, on Twitter at @RBARACK or by calling 217-722-0184.

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