The THP reports no fatalities after 20 to 30 vehicles crashed Thursday morning on I-40 westbound in Putnam County near Cookeville, shutting down the westbound lanes into the evening hours. Several people were injured in the crash which was reported at 11:55am at the 285 westbound mile marker as a light snow covered the roadway. I-40 westbound was closed between entrance ramps 287 and 286. Shortly before 6pm Thursday (1/15/2026), THP said the westbound lanes had reopened. TDOT Smartway reported the westbound right shoulder remained blocked.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said a number of people were stranded on I-40 because their vehicles were disabled. Those needing a warm place to wait until they could arrange transportation were taken to Putnam County’s new convention center.
