A devastating crash on Interstate 840 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, claimed the lives of two people Sunday morning, leaving family, friends, and the broader community grieving as authorities continue to piece together what happened. The violent collision occurred just before 11:00 a.m. near mile marker 47—close to the Highway 102 interchange—in the Almaville area of the county.
According to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, an eastbound Audi R8 sports car lost control while traveling on the interstate, veered off the roadway, crossed a grassy median, and entered the path of oncoming traffic. In an instant, the vehicle collided head‑on with a westbound Freightliner Cascadia tractor‑trailer.
The force of the impact was catastrophic. Both occupants of the Audi—identified as 48‑year‑old Sonephet Khamsyvoravong and 42‑year‑old Kevin Kipping, both residents of Tennessee—were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The driver of the tractor‑trailer, a Florida resident, was wearing a seatbelt and escaped without injuries.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported that the collision left behind a substantial spill of oil, diesel fuel, and debris, prompting a prolonged interstate closure as cleanup crews and hazardous‑materials teams worked to make the scene safe. Eastbound lanes reopened around mid‑afternoon, while westbound lanes remained closed longer due to the extent of the debris field and cleanup operations.
In the wake of the crash, no charges have been filed, and none are currently pending in connection with the incident, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine what factors led the Audi to lose control.
Residents and travelers in the area experienced major delays due to the interstate closure, with traffic rerouted and congestion spreading onto adjacent roadways. Motorists were urged to use caution and follow alternate routes as crews worked throughout the day to restore normal traffic flow.
This tragic crash underscores the ever‑present dangers on Tennessee roadways and the importance of safe driving practices. Interstate 840, a beltway around Nashville, sees heavy daily traffic from commuters and commercial vehicles alike, and even momentary loss of vehicle control can have devastating consequences.
