A multi-vehicle collision disrupted the heart of downtown Gatlinburg on Sunday afternoon, prompting a swift response from local emergency services.
According to a city official, the crash occurred around 4:14 p.m. in the 700 block of Parkway, a bustling stretch often crowded with both local traffic and tourists visiting the popular East Tennessee destination.
Gatlinburg Police and Fire Departments were immediately dispatched to the scene, where multiple vehicles were reportedly involved in the crash. First responders worked to secure the area, assess injuries, and assist those affected by the collision.
At this time, no fatalities have been reported, though the condition of those involved has not been released. A city spokesperson confirmed that “no further details are available at this time,” as the investigation remains ongoing.
The 700 block of Parkway, which runs through the center of Gatlinburg’s historic downtown area, is a key traffic corridor surrounded by shops, restaurants, and attractions.
The incident occurred during a busy time of day, especially on a weekend when the town typically sees a surge in visitors. As a result, traffic in the area came to a standstill, with several lanes temporarily blocked off while emergency crews managed the scene.
Witnesses described a chaotic but controlled response as first responders arrived. One passerby noted seeing “several vehicles with visible damage, including one that looked like it had rear-ended another at high speed.” Another witness said, “People were getting out of their cars and trying to help before police and fire got there. It was scary—especially in such a crowded area.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest the possibility of sudden braking or a distracted driver, though nothing has been confirmed by authorities. Gatlinburg Police have not issued a statement regarding whether any citations or charges are expected as a result of the incident.
Local residents and tourists alike expressed concern over the safety of Parkway, a stretch of road that often sees slow-moving traffic but can become hazardous during peak times. The city has made improvements in recent years to pedestrian safety and traffic flow, but accidents still occur, particularly during heavy travel periods.
As of Sunday evening, cleanup crews remained at the scene, and drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while police concluded their investigation and tow services removed the damaged vehicles.
Officials have asked that anyone who witnessed the accident or has relevant dashcam footage contact the Gatlinburg Police Department to assist with the ongoing inquiry. Updates are expected as authorities gather more information and determine the sequence of events that led to the crash.
In the meantime, the community is once again reminded of the importance of staying alert and cautious while driving, especially in high-traffic areas like downtown Gatlinburg. The city will release further statements as more facts become available.
