A man was critically injured Wednesday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash on Old Shelbyville Road with the driver who caused the wreck looking at criminal charges.
The critically injured driver, Larry Smartt, was airlifted to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga by LifeForce helicopter. Meanwhile, the driver who triggered the multi-vehicle crash around 4:30 p.m., Halona Brooke Wanamaker, has charges pending against her as investigators say she was speeding when she lost control of her 2008 Kia while westbound on Old Shelbyville Road.
According to Highway Patrolman Gary Myers, Wanamaker was exceeding the posted speed limit as she negotiated a curve and traveled out of her lane of traffic. Her vehicle crossed into the path of the oncoming 1988 Chevy pickup driven by Smartt.
The pickup overturned after impact with the Kia, leaving Smartt trapped inside the overturned pickup for more than 30 minutes. He had to be extricated by rescue workers. He was flown from the scene by LifeForce helicopter which made its landing in a field near the crash.
Wanamaker’s out-of-control vehicle went on to strike another vehicle, this one which was traveling immediately behind Smartt and was also traveling eastbound. The 2011 Nissan, driven by Brandi Chrestman, came to rest in the westbound lane. Chrestman, her husband, and four children escaped injury. Wanamaker was also unhurt.
A blood sample was taken from Wanamaker. Regardless of the blood sample, investigators say excessive speed and recklessness on her part contributed to the crash.