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One person is dead and three others are hospitalized after an 87-year-old driver from Kentucky ran a red light and struck four pedestrians at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville this afternoon. The crash happened at approximately 12:37 PM.
What happened at the intersection
The driver, behind the wheel of a Ford Fusion, ran the red light as pedestrians crossed with the signal. Downtown surveillance cameras captured the moment of impact clearly, showing the vehicle hitting multiple people who had the legal right to cross. Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron confirmed the pedestrians were crossing legally when the vehicle struck them.
The Ford Fusion came to a natural stop on the far side of 4th Avenue. The driver’s wife and a caregiver were both passengers in the car. The wife sustained minor injuries. The caregiver was not hurt. Police are speaking with the caregiver to piece together what led to the crash.
The victims and their conditions
A 58-year-old man from Australia died after arriving at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A 34-year-old man from Jacksonville, Florida is in critical condition and underwent surgery. A 21-year-old woman from Knoxville is in serious but non-critical condition. A fourth victim, a 58-year-old woman, was treated for non-critical injuries. The driver himself is also in critical condition at Vanderbilt.
First responders were already on the scene
Nashville Fire Department med carts and fire personnel stationed downtown as part of the entertainment district initiative were already nearby when the crash happened. They reached the victims before the call even cleared dispatch, which significantly sped up care for those injured. Bystanders also stepped in to help before additional crews arrived.
What investigators are working to determine
The MNPD Traffic Division is leading the investigation. Aaron confirmed no charges have been announced. Officers are still working to determine why the driver failed to stop at the red light.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell called it an incredibly tragic event and said the city’s main focus is caring for the victims and keeping the public safe.
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