MAURY COUNTY, TENNESSEE — A Texas truck driver died Tuesday after his northbound semi crossed the median on Interstate 65 near mile marker 50 in Maury County and slammed into three southbound commercial vehicles, triggering a chain reaction fire that burned all four trucks.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. Stephen Ellis said James Ebbinger, 59, of Texas, was driving a 2026 Peterbilt 579 northbound when it crossed the median and struck one semi, then hit two more. The impact caused one of the trucks to catch fire, which spread to the other three.
Two of the three other drivers were injured, a 48-year-old from Minnesota and a 36-year-old from Florida. Ebbinger was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash.
Southbound traffic was diverted at Exit 53 and northbound at Exit 46 during the response. Northbound lanes reopened shortly after 6 p.m. Southbound lanes did not reopen until approximately 2:45 a.m. Wednesday following investigation, cleanup, and pavement repair.
Maury County first responders, Spring Hill Fire Department, and Spring Hill Police Department responded. THP is the lead investigating agency.
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