KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A Knoxville firefighter who had just gotten off work was seriously injured this morning when his car veered into the oncoming lane of traffic and slammed into a SUV.
Dennis Matthew Noe, 29, of Knoxville was trapped in his vehicle about 30 minutes as fellow firefighters worked to free him from a dashboard and engine that had been shoved by the impact into the passenger compartment.
Noe was conscious during the rescue, according to Knoxville Fire Department Capt. D.J. Corcoran.
Noe was northbound on Chilhowee Drive about 7:41 a.m. when his 4-door, 1995 Toyota "crossed the center line of Chilhowee Drive" and struck an oncoming 1997 Ford Explorer, according to Knoxville Police Department spokesman Darrell DeBusk. The crash occurred at 512 Chilhowee Drive.
"It is unknown at this time what caused the Toyota to cross into the oncoming lane," DeBusk said.
The Explorer was driven by Teresa McGhee, 51, of Knoxville, according to DeBusk.
McGhee and Noe were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. Both were listed this morning in stable condition.
DeBusk said McGhee was using a seat belt at the time of the crash. He was unsure if Noe was using the device.
No charges have been filed and the investigation into the crash is continuing, DeBusk said.
Noe had completed a 24-hour shift at the Chilhowee-Holston Hills Fire Station No. 16, 5102 Asheville Highway, just before the crash, Corcoran said.
Noe's father and brother also are firefighters. Neither of them were at the scene of the crash, Corcoran said.
"His other family was there with him," Corcoran said, referencing the brotherhood of firefighters.
Corcoran said reports from firefighters at UT Medical Center indicated Noe suffered "damage to his lower extremities" where the front of the car was shoved toward the passenger compartment.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
