Trucker killed in five vehicle pile up involving two semis and a garbage truck

Trucker killed in five vehicle pile up involving two semi trucks, a garbage truck, and two passenger vehicles in Kentucky on Wednesday morning. 

The accident happened on January 17th near the Cochran Hill Tunnels on Interstate 64 in Louisville, Kentucky. 

According to WDRB, the Louisville Fire Department was called to the scene of the multi vehicle crash involving vehicles on fire and one fatality. Officials say it is unclear what led to the pile up crash. 

One FedEx truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The drivers of both cars and the garbage truck were transported to hospitals with non life threatening injuries. The driver of the second semi truck was not hurt. 

The incident shut down all lanes of I-64 for the majority of the morning as crews worked to extinguish the fire. Crews said extinguishing the fire was challenging due to cold temperatures and the location of the incident. 

“If you think about the way that we respond to these structure fires you’ll see all the hoses out. [But] We don’t have hydrants on the interstate. When you’ve got multiple vehicles on fire, water supply becomes an issue. But our crews were able to get up there and use some unconventional ways of getting water to put out those fires,” said Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill to WHAS 11.

FedEx issued the following statement about the crash: 

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who are mourning the loss of a loved one in this accident. Safety is our highest priority, and we are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities at this time.”

As of 12:50 p.m. CST the roadway was expected to remain closed for “several hours.”