SUV versus tractor trailer shuts down I-75 south

Interstate 75 just south of Corbin was shut down for several hours Thursday morning after an SUV rear-ended a tractor-trailer truck.

Firefighters and emergency personnel were called to the scene just south of Exit 25 about 5a.m.

Corbin firefighters used the Jaws-of-Life to extricate the driver of the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, later identified as 27-year-old Wesley Hatfield of Pikeville.

While the SUV was prevented from travelling completely under the trailer, firefighters said the impact with trailer’s lower bumper pushed the engine back into passenger compartment.

“We had to cut off both doors on the driver’s side along with the “B” post between them to get him out,” said Corbin Firefighter Chad Jackson.

Hatfield was taken by ambulance to Baptist Health Corbin from where he was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

Officer Steven Douglas, with Kentucky State Police, Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement stated neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to be factors in the crash.

Hatfield was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The driver of the truck, identified as Floyd Mitchell of Corbin, was not injured.

Vehicle Enforcement Officer Mike Hamblin is continuing the investigation.

Hamblin was assisted at the scene by Vehicle Enforcement Officer Rob Mitchell, Corbin Police, Oak Grove Fire Department and Whitley County EMS.