U-Haul employee dies after East Ridge propane accident
UPDATE (4/3/2025): We’re learning more about the propane accident in East Ridge Wednesday.
The U-Haul employee who was struck by a pick-up truck was identified as 42-year-old Jason Bishop of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Bishop sustained life-threatening injuries after being hit by the truck.
He and the driver were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
According to the East Ridge Police Department, Bishop passed away from his injuries.
The driver of the truck also struck a propane tank, causing a gas leak.
Several agencies responded to the scene, and were able to safely contain that leak.
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF)- A dramatic scene unfolded in East Ridge this afternoon as crews worked a hazardous situation.
Nick: The 5800 block of Ringgold Road had to be shut down after a pickup truck left the roadway.
Sgt. Joshua Creel of the East Ridge Police Department said, “Westbound (on Ringgold Road) at Burns Avenue, a r
The red Ford F-150 resting next to the East Ridge U-Haul after crashing into propane tank and injuring U-Haul employee. (Courtesy: East Ridge Police Department)
ed Ford F-150 crossed the eastbound lanes, left the roadway, crossed several private lots, causing damage throughout. It then entered onto the U-Haul lot where it struck the bollards surrounding the propane tank. Went through an awning, and eventually came to rest against a U-Haul truck, where it struck an employee.”
The propane tank was of extreme concern.
Sgt. Creel said, “Part of the tank was ruptured, I’m not exactly sure which part, but Fire assessed it after rendering aid to the critically injured victim. They then began cascading water onto that tank to mitigate any risk of fire or explosion.”
This prompted the measures in the area around U-Haul.
Sgt. Creel said, “During the course of this, we did conduct several evacuations. We did shut down traffic on Ringgold Road for east and westbound traffic, as well as the surrounding businesses, and a few blocks south on Burns and Waterhouse Avenues.”
Fortunately, the situation was contained.
Sgt. Creel said, “Fire has stopped cascading water. We have representatives from the propane company on site. They are rendering everything safe, and mitigating any leaks… I’d just like to thank everyone for bearing with us.”
Sgt. Creel said Ringgold Road would reopen after traffic investigators concluded their work.
Both the driver and U-Haul employee are injured.
The employee is in critical condition, and the driver’s condition is unknown.
