Seymour Man Killed in Head On Collision

A two-vehicle accident Thursday morning in Seymour has left one man dead and another injured.

A fatal head on collision occurred between two vehicles on Maryville Highway in Seymour just after 8:30 a.m. on April 14, 2016, closing the two-lane road for hours.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 20-year-old Joseph J. Earnest of Seymour was driving a white four door Lexus northbound on Maryville Highway (US 411) and crossed over the center double yellow line, crashing head on into a southbound red Nissan pickup truck.

The driver of the pickup, Michael L. Allen, 51, of Seymour, was killed. Police say he was wearing his seatbelt improperly, but it was their opinion that proper use would not have made a difference.

Earnest, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was injured in the accident. According to the report, seat belt use would have helped.

The Seymour Volunteer Fire Department and LifeStar responded to the scene. Maryville Highway between Black Oak Ridge Road and Cherokee Hills Road was closed for hours while the accident was investigated and cleared.

Drug and alcohol testing was ordered for both drivers. Citations and criminal charges are pending.

The posted speed limit on that stretch of roadway is 45 mph.

Photo: Seymour Volunteer Fire Department