A driver died Tuesday night after being ejected from this vehicle, which left Oak Ridge Turnpike and rolled several times at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday near Horizon Center. (Photo by Tom Scott)
A Cleveland, Tenn., man died after he was ejected from an eastbound minivan that left Oak Ridge Turnpike and rolled several times at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday near Horizon Center, authorities said.
Benjamin Park Birdwell, 33, was driving the 2004 Toyota Sienna near Imperium Drive, the Oak Ridge Police Department said.
Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi said police don’t know the cause of the fatal single-vehicle crash. Birwdwell was the only occupant, he said.
Police said Birdwell was not wearing a seatbelt.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Jason Allison says
A seat belt may or may have made a difference but should always wear them. Prayers
Megan says
He was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.
Carol Donath says
It’s too bad that on this new improved 4 lane highway with no sharp curves that someone would run off the road. I saw all the emergency equipment racing out of town and feared it was bad. I’m sorry to the family.
Ellen Smith says
On Thursday I saw four Oak Ridge police vehicles “working” eastbound Hwy 95 in the area where this accident occurred. Two of them had pulled motorists over. I assume they were looking to discourage the kind of driver errors (such as excess speed and texting while driving) that could lead to sad results like this accident.