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Semi, SUV collide
Spencer, Shellsford wreck3.jpg
All three occupants of this Chevrolet Traverse were transported for medical treatment after its driver entered the path of a semi-truck on Spencer Road. The truck jackknifed on the opposite side of the highway. - photo by Lisa Hobbs

A semi-truck collided with an SUV on Tuesday sending three to Saint Thomas River Park Hospital for treatment.  

The midday wreck occurred at the intersection of Spencer and Shellsford roads when a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse driven by John Harris, 74, attempted to cross the intersection from Shellsford Road and entered the path of a 1996 Volvo semi driven by Larry Rigsby, 70. 

While the truck jackknifed in the incoming lane, the crash propelled the SUV off an embankment and into a residential yard.

Harris, a Florida resident, and his two passengers were transported by Warren County EMS to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. Rigsby, a local resident, reported no juries at the scene. 

Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Josh Sparkman said the cause of the wreck could be careless driving. 

“Mr. Rigsby stated that he saw the Traverse stopped at the stop sign,” said Sparkman. “As he got closer, it pulled out in front of him. He said he didn’t have time to stop. Because all three occupants of the SUV were transported, I haven’t had time to talk to Mr. Harris. I don’t know why he stopped and then went.”

A citation for failure to yield is pending further investigation.