I-65 South Reopens After Semi Carrying Horses Overturns in Sumner County

Interstate 65 South was shut down for hours Tuesday morning after a semi-truck hauling horses overturned near the Sumner County and Robertson County line. The crash caused major delays during early commuting hours and drew response teams from multiple agencies.

 

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the incident happened near mile marker 116, close to the Bethel Road exit. The semi was carrying several horses when it overturned across multiple lanes. First responders closed the interstate for several hours while crews worked to move the trailer and ensure the safety of the animals.

 

Traffic was diverted to U.S. Highway 31W and State Route 258, but congestion quickly built across Cottontown, White House, and the Millersville area. For many local residents, what should have been a quick morning commute turned into a frustrating crawl through backroads. Some drivers reported waiting more than an hour before traffic began to move again.

 

Emergency crews from the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, White House Community Volunteer Fire Department, and Tennessee Department of Transportation assisted at the scene. Wreckers and veterinarians were also called in to help remove the overturned trailer and care for the horses.

 

Officials confirmed several of the horses were injured, though the exact number hasn’t been released. Veterinarians on-site provided treatment as the animals were transferred to nearby trailers. The driver of the semi sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

 

TDOT reopened all southbound lanes around noon after debris and fuel were cleared from the roadway. The agency reminded drivers to slow down near major traffic incidents, as secondary crashes often occur when drivers approach too quickly or fail to move over for emergency vehicles.

 

For many in Sumner County, especially those living along or near I-65, incidents like this highlight how dependent daily routines are on major highways connecting the region. A closure of just a few hours can ripple through residential areas, detouring drivers through Gallatin Pike, Main Street in Hendersonville, or rural roads like Lower Station Camp Creek.

 

Residents in White House and Millersville expressed relief when traffic finally began moving again late morning, though many noted the frequency of major accidents along this stretch of I-65. Several described the curve near Bethel Road as a “problem spot,” especially for large trucks.

 

Officials have not yet released the cause of the crash, but investigators say weather and load shift may have played a role. The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to review the incident.