Kentucky State Police responded just after 9:00 pm to the scene, which was near the eastbound 37 mile marker. After investigating and taking statements, Troopers determined that 55-year-old Joseph Cummins of Princeton was driving a truck with a trailer, hauling heavy equipment tires, and 61-year-old David Jones of Sharon, TN approached from behind in a semi tractor-trailer, but closed the gap between trucks more quickly than he expected. Jones quickly switched lanes but his semi struck Cummins' trailer and then flipped onto its side. The semi crossed both lanes before sliding off the road and up an embankment.

Jones and his passenger, 73-year-old Judith Jones were injured, and airlifted to hospitals. David Jones was taken to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, and Judith Jones was taken to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. Cummins and his three passengers were not hurt.

Eastbound lanes of I-24 were closed briefly while the scene was cleared and helicopters airlifted the injured.