Mayfield, Ky.—The southbound lanes of the Purchase Parkway in Graves County were closed over five hours through Thursday evening following a fiery collision between and semi and dump truck that spewed a loads of corn and gravel all along the roadway.
The accident occurred around 3 p.m. but the scene was not cleared until 8:45 p.m.
Investigation by the Graves County Sheriff’s Office determined that the dump truck driver, James Tatum, age 49, of South Fulton, was southbound on the Parkway in a Mack truck hauling a load of gravel. The truck blew a rear tire, forcing Tatum to apply his brakes to gain control of the truck.
At the same time, Jeffrey Sanderson, age 52, of Mayfield, was southbound in a semi and trailer hauling the load of corn. He was unable to avoid the dump truck, striking it in the rear. This caused Tatum’s dump truck to roll over onto its side and strike a bridge rail.
The dump truck lost its load of gravel after it rolled over onto its side. Sanderson’s semi continued southbound and the cab of the truck caught fire as the truck came to a stop.
According to the sheriff’s office, Sanderson escaped from the semi before the fire went out of control and he was not injured. Tatum refused treatment at the scene but may have suffered minor injuries.
The Wingo and Water Valley Fire Departments both responded to the scene and extinguished the semi fire.
The following agencies assisted the sheriff’s Office at the scene and with the clean up:
Kentucky State Police
Kentucky State Police – CVE Division
Wingo Fire Department
Water Valley Fire Department
Mayfield Fire Department
Mayfield/Graves County EMS
Graves County Emergency Management
Photo by Graves Co. Sheriff’s Office.
