Victims Identified as Brian and Brandi Elmore
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – A Knoxville man is facing multiple charges after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 claimed the lives of two people Sunday.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 22-year-old Paul Fisher has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide following a three-vehicle crash on I-40 near Sutherland Avenue.
Troopers said Fisher was driving a 2012 Toyota Corolla westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 when the vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
The force of the collision sent the Equinox off the right side of the interstate, where it traveled down an embankment and struck a utility pole before coming to rest.
The driver of the SUV, 46-year-old Brian Elmore, and passenger 43-year-old Brandi Elmore, both of Tennessee, died as a result of their injuries.
After the initial impact, Fisher’s vehicle continued forward and collided head-on with a 2024 Honda Civic that was traveling directly behind the Equinox.
Authorities said the driver of the Honda Civic was not injured in the crash.
Fisher suffered injuries and was transported for medical treatment. Following the investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol charged him with two counts of vehicular homicide.
Investigators reported that all drivers and passengers involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.
The circumstances surrounding why Fisher was traveling the wrong way on Interstate 40 have not yet been released. Additional information regarding the charges is expected as the investigation continues.
The crash led to a major emergency response and traffic disruptions while crews worked to investigate the scene and clear the roadway.
