2 killed when vehicle hits West End guard shack in Oak Ridge

Donna Smith, Oakridger
·1 min read

Two people were killed Saturday night when their vehicle struck the historic West End guard shack on the Oak Ridge Turnpike.

The two people, who Oak Ridge police were not identifying as of Sunday afternoon, died at the scene of the crash, according to a news release from the police department. The eastbound vehicle left the roadway and struck the guard shack at approximately 7:15 p.m. Saturday. The guard shack, located at 2900 Oak Ridge Turnpike, is also known as the Turnpike Gatehouse.

The Turnpike Gatehouse, also known as the West End guard shack.
The Turnpike Gatehouse, also known as the West End guard shack.

Police continue to investigate the crash.

In addition to the city Police Department, the Oak Ridge Fire Department, Anderson County Emergency Medical Service and the Oak Ridge Public Works Department responded to the scene. Public Works employees helped with traffic control. People subscribed to the Nixle phone alert system were advised to avoid traveling in the area at 7:27 p.m. and then advised all traffic lanes were reopened at 11:21 p.m. Saturday.

The Oak Ridger will identify the victims as soon as their names are released.

Donna Smith is The Oak Ridger’s news editor and covers Oak Ridge area news. Email dsmith@oakridger.com. Twitter: @ridgernewsed.

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This article originally appeared on Oakridger: 2 killed when vehicle hits West End guard shack in Oak Ridge