Deadly Tractor Trailer Accident Closes I-64

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Posted: 8:34 AM May 13, 2008
Last Updated: 1:54 PM May 13, 2008
Reporter: Elizabeth Dorsett
Email Address: elizabeth.dorsett@wkyt.com

47 comments

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One person is dead after a tractor trailer accident on Interstate 64 in Bath County early Tuesday morning.

Both east and westbound lanes were closed for two hours until the westbound lanes reopened around 8:00 a.m.

The eastbound lanes reopened just before 12:00 p.m.

The accident happened between exits 121 and 123 to Owingsville. Police are rerouting traffic onto US 60.

Police say the tractor trailer came upon a Chevrolet Cavalier stopped in the westbound lanes and rear ended it. The Cavalier had stopped because of a minor accident up the way. Police were in the process of re-opening the east-bound lanes. Investigators say the tractor-trailer came over the crest of a hill and simply could not stop before hitting the car. The tractor trailer over-turned and crossed the median into west bound lanes, narrowly missing an on-coming semi.

The man inside the Cavalier died. Officers have not released the man's name; they've only said he's local. Two people inside the tractor trailer went to the hospital.

Police think dense fog at the time may have contributed to the accident.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Stacy King Location: Bath County on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:16 AM
I knew Kenny but not well... I know his twin Penny... She is my bus driver and I love her and this wreck hurt her so bad.... But he was a good guy and he was a great friend...

Posted by: Henry Location: Lex on May 15, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Response to Catie / Morehead. The trucker is ultimatedly responsible. He new there was something wrong ahead and pulled out to pass. He had to be aware there was fog. He had to be able to see it He should have slowed down but he pulled out to pass!!

Posted by: Catie Location: Morehead on May 15, 2008 at 04:33 PM
I Agree With Kenny's Son's Girlfriend You Shoudn't Blame The Truck Driver Truckers Can't Stop On A Dime And It Was Caused By The Fog So Whoever Is Posting Smart Comments You Better Stop And Whatch What You Say. Because I Am Family To Kennys Two Kids

Posted by: part of the family Location: morehead on May 15, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Im dating Kennys son and have been for quite a while. My dad has nothing to do with me and Kenny has been like a father to me for almost 3 years now. If he was here he wouldnt want anyone to be blaming the truck driver. He was a truck driver and he loved being one. He understood how it was to drive out there. I loved him so much and over 2000 ppl showed up to his viewing. and for everyone on here trying to blame someone and making inapporiate comments for a time like this...God simply thought it was his time to go. Its just sad it had to happen like this. Also you need to know that everything anyone says gets found out by the family. We have heard a lot of things. So be careful what you say.

Posted by: Preacher's Kid on May 15, 2008 at 10:06 AM
What does the truck driver being a preacher have anything to do with it? I've seen many a preacher who don't practice what they preach; my dad as one of them. They can be some of the most contradictory people in the world. Just because you are a preacher doesn't mean you are without fault.

Posted by: Little Old Me on May 15, 2008 at 08:02 AM
This is for "maybe Location: ky on May 14, 2008 at 12:35 PM" I know enough about trucks to know that some truckers drive faster than the posted speed limit, ride the bumpers of anyone who gets in their way that IS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT, and they have two sets of logs. I didn't say all, but quite a few out there do. Yes, people driving cars speed as well but a car WILL NOT demolish an 80,000 pound truck. What do truckers drive on their off time? I doubt it's an 18 wheeler so now they fall into two categories don't they? I'm 62, never had an accident in my life, drove truck for 15 years and don't speed; never have. I figure the first time I do speed, I would be the one that got caught which is why I don't do it, plus, those signs are posted for a reason.

Posted by: Prayer Location: somewhere USA on May 14, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Dear Heavenly Father- In this trying times, people make their own opinions and statements and come to their own conclusion. But we know you have the answers and the reasonings of why such terrible accidents happen. Knowing the truck driver, who is also a preacher, and his kind tender heart along with his wife's, and Mr. McKenzie and his family---I pray for the healing of all involved. Accidents are tough for all involved and we can only pray that we do the best we can in your name in everything we do.

Posted by: Doug Location: London on May 14, 2008 at 04:34 PM
As a truck driver myself I will have to say that they are some trucks that go to fast. But look at all the cars that do it also. I have said it before the a lot of times the people that cause the accident in the first place never know they caused an accident and continue on their way. To blame a truck with out knowing all the details that went on is very wrong. I take a accident investigation team of many several days to come up with an answer to what happened and some of you cracker jack know it all can figure out what happened sitting behing you computer in a few minutes. AMAZING!! Also I would challenge every one to SLOW DOWN!! Just watch traffic in any given stretch of road and you will see cars and pickups SPEEDING with their phones in their ears. That is the major problem todays drivers are facing. DESTRACTED DRIVERS!!!!!!!

Posted by: maybe Location: ky on May 14, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Little Old Me-Do you know that when a trucker gets their CDL license they have to know all about cars, how much do you know about trucks? The answer to that is probably not much, well you should lose your license.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: ky on May 14, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Kenny was also a truck driver on he way to work. so we can't blame the truck driver.It was just a bad accident. my prayers go out to his family. A very good man. may god bless you.

Posted by: Curious Location: KY on May 14, 2008 at 12:15 PM
To: Just Little Old Me-In times like this no one needs to hear your smart remarks, but one day you will be in a similar situation-let's see how well you handle it. Better watch judging someone else, it will come home to you.

Posted by: Catie Location: Morehead on May 14, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I Know The Two Kids Mr. McKenzie Has They Are My Cousins And I Really Feal Sorry For Them And I Know How Hard It Is To Lose Someone In Your Family.

Posted by: kk Location: ky on May 14, 2008 at 10:05 AM
First of all there should have be a waring flare or flashing lights to warn oncoming traffic. Second of all how many of you drive like you are watching for an accident?? not most. everyone is always in a hurry to get somewhere . This was a tragic unnecessary accident not the fault of the truck or the car but negligence on someones part to put out warning signals, as well as bad driving conditions. As for you all that want to yell for the trucks to slow down they are just like cars some good and some bad drivers the few bad usually give the good ones bad names. What if they just shut them all down?? with fuel prices like they are I think they need to to show our government how things could be shut down only most are barley making ends meet and can't . for you all that don't know TRUCKERS KEEP THIS COUNTRY MOVING! My husband drove for years and has been out of it for the last 7 years and I am thankful everyday! Its a hard living to make!!

Posted by: kymom Location: lex on May 14, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Let me clear up my earlier comment. I'm not saying this particular driver was speeding. I don't know. I was just saying that there are a lot of them out there that do. My thoughts and prayers are with both families involved in this horrible ACCIDENT.

Posted by: donna Location: morgan co. on May 14, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I will not drive on some of these roads because of the trucks- truckers have a tough job- they need to realize they can't stop as fast as a car- they need to think about this before coming upon an accident.my heart goes out to all involved.But what did we expect when the speed limit was raised to 70!!!

Posted by: DeeplySaddened Location: Tokyo Japan on May 14, 2008 at 06:39 AM
I was traveling out of country when I came to learn of this tragic accident. I know Mr. Hurt, he is a man of God with deep religious convictions. He would never do anything to intentionally jeopardize anyone's life. Based upon eyewitness testimony, he reacted the best anyone could under the very bad conditions. Had the authorities been a bit more alert and properly monitored the back-up in traffic with signals or flares, perhaps the outcome would have been much different. My prayers go to both families involved in this very tragic occurrence.

Posted by: truckers.kid on May 14, 2008 at 06:04 AM
My heart goes out to the family of the deceased and also to the truck driver because he now has to live with the reminder of what happened. Law enforcement should have had some sort of a warning for travelers so they might have known there was a wreck. Everyone is always quick to judge the truck driver and most of the people that say the trucks need to slow down should take their own advice. Big rigs can't stop like regular vehicles. We have all heard that before but most people underestimate the stopping distance of a loaded truck.THEY CAN'T STOP ON A DIME. The majority of my family are truckers and the passenger cars are their biggest enemy because people don't know how to drive to accomodate the trucks that get their food on their tables, clothes on their backs, etc.... make the truckers slow down let your deliveries slow down and listen to all complain because they don't have what they want when they want it.

Posted by: Question Location: Lexington on May 14, 2008 at 01:46 AM
Well, if the truckers KNOW that they can't stop as quickly, shouldn't they drive slower/safer in case they come up on a situation like this? It's nobody's fault but the truck driver who wasn't in control of his vehicle.

Posted by: Chuck Location: Bluegrass on May 14, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Our hearts our broke for the McKenzie family. We continually pray for them as we will for the truck driver involved and his passenger. We also give thanks for the wonderful work of Bath County Rescue, Bath County Ambulance, Owingsville Fire Department and Kentucky State Police (and any other law enforcement that may have been involved). God bless all of you.

Posted by: Glenda on May 14, 2008 at 12:28 AM
We sometimes forget and place the blame on the wrong people. People need to learn that its not the trucks that causes the wrecks, its the other vehicles that stop quickly, pull out in front of the big trucks, and limit their spaces to turn around. I am really sorry for both sides of the family and I know that what pain the trucker is in is nothing as bad a his thoughts for the other guy. I want everyone to know that he is my uncle and he is very precious to me. His pain is for the other family and their loss. So, please don't take this an accident that was an intent, but as something that has destroyed several lives unintently.

Posted by: WE NEED CHANGE on May 13, 2008 at 10:54 PM
This is truly a sad story. Unsafe trucks and reckless cars are flooding our highways. Call your legislator and ask them why the Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement commissioner has taken the focus off of highway safety and has turned the agency into a political stepping stone for his career. I commend the KVE officers and inspectors for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices they make to help the citizens of KY. I am sick to my stomach thinking about how they are treated. The commissioner makes over 100k a year. The inspectors working the weigh stations make 20 to 24 thousand a year. These are the men and women who inspect these unsafe trucks. How is the state going to reduce the # of CMV accidents when KVE’s top leaders are vacationing on the states dime in Colorado? KVE needs to be allowed to work in areas that need them. The more officers patrolling our highways may reduce the # of collisions and fatalities on our roads. We need more KVE and KSP officers on our highways.

Posted by: DM Location: KY on May 13, 2008 at 10:14 PM
I drive the interstate everyday just like many of you.I find in most cases the truckers are some of the safest drivers out there. Its not them I worry about darting in and out of lanes. Its a tragedy when an accident happens to anyone. This is also why they are called accidents. I don't think anyone sets out to harm other drivers and their passengers.

Posted by: David Location: Lexington on May 13, 2008 at 10:12 PM
No, trucks can't slow down like cars! ! They are the giants on the road and this makes them extremely dangerous. Therefore, they should never speed and MUST be held to higher standards! The reason people tend to blame trucks, even when they’re not at fault, is because the damage they cause is catastrophic compared to passenger cars. It's pretty much common sense.

Posted by: Shelley Location: Salt Lick on May 13, 2008 at 09:53 PM
The McKenzie family are in my thoughts and prayers. I drive a school bus for Bath County and it was very foggy this morning in Bath County and it was just a freak accident that happened, the person that was killed has a twin sister that drives a school bus for Bath County and my heart goes out to her but you can't blame the truck driver for not being able to stop for the fog was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. Once again my heart goes out to the McKenzie's.

Posted by: christie Location: owingsville on May 13, 2008 at 09:23 PM
truckers aren't the only ones who drive to fast! i'm on I-64 four days a week and i have seen cars going way to fast. i don't drive a truck but i don't think they should be blamed for every wreck that happens.

Posted by: betty on May 13, 2008 at 08:59 PM
I am the sister-in-law of the trucker driver and his wife. I will let you know the truck driver is a preacher, who does his best to maintain the speed limit when driving. He is one of the few who maintain only one set of books in his truck. Him and his wife were only tring to make a living which was getting harder to do considering the gas prices. Neither of them will get over this, nor forget it. They problably never drive again. He is admitted now due to family not being able to wake him up after being dicharged from the hospital. His wife will require a 2nd surgery thursday. I am sorry the other person was killed and our families prays will be with that family also.

Posted by: Kristin Location: Morehead on May 13, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I know that it wasn't the truckers fault. I was stuck in that traffic this morning and I saw the aftermath. Granted it wasn't good, but the trucker tried to keep from hitting the car. When you come over a crest like that with no warning of a previous accident and that much fog, there is not much you can do with situation like that. I was riding with my friend to work this morning and we almost had an accident because there were no signs of a previous accident and the fog so dense that you couldn't see very far in front of you. So yes I'm saying that is wasn't the truckers fault. I am sorry for the family's loss and my prayers go out for them.

Posted by: heather caldwell Location: morehead on May 13, 2008 at 07:20 PM
IT'S NOT THE TRUCKER'S FAULT!!! I was there this morning when it all happened and lets just say if you could see the the black marks you would know the trucker done all he could do to miss the car but couldn't. another thing in fog as thick as it was this morning you couldn't see much of anything and i drive a car so if you are and just because you think the trucker is to blame because the guy died isn't right either. he shouldn't lose his licens just because what happened because not only did he try to miss him but he has to live with the facts everyday of his life. so i think you need to BACK UP you proable was in your bed this morning when it happened anyways. so what do you know. you never seen nothing but the back of your own eye lids. so your mouth need to go to hush how bout it. I AM NOT A TRUCKER NOR AM I A TRUCKERS WIFE!!!!!!!!

Posted by: steve on May 13, 2008 at 06:26 PM
do not blame the trucker this was just a bad accident if their was a wreck it should have been warning signs up and the fog did not help people need to remember these big trucks can not stop on a dime.

Posted by: Heather Location: Arkansas on May 13, 2008 at 06:23 PM
The truckers involved in this accident are close relatives of mine. I can tell you for a fact he doesn't speed. I live in arkansas and a couple months ago they came to visit me and he was constantly questioning my speed (when I was doing the speed limit). The facts in the story are true, when he topped the hill and saw the car he couldn't stop in time. He swerved to miss the car but still hit it. Our family is deeply grieved over the loss of the gentleman in the car, their family will be in our prayers. Please keep our family in your prayers as well, the last time I checked with my mother they were still in the hospital and would be there for a few days.

Posted by: Another Little Old Me Location: Danville on May 13, 2008 at 05:30 PM
This is for trucker's wife Location: Georgetown...Trucks do the same speed limit or slower than cars??? Who the heck are you kidding. I place my cruise on 70mph each and every day I drive the interstate and I ALWAYS get passed by big trucks going way too fast. Yes, I have passed a few and I mean a few, but those are normally the companies like Schneider who place speed limiters on their trucks. Get a clue lady, truckers speed more than not.

Posted by: Logan Location: Bath County on May 13, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I think that it was know ones fault..It was his time to go, so really its no ones fault. But really idk I am just sorry for his family..That was my teachers ex husband & she cried all day i feel sooo sorry 4 her

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 04:47 PM
As someone stated before.... there was already an accident that the police were working WHY was there not some type of warning to oncoming traffic. If you are coming over a hill and it is foggy and suddenly there is a car stopped in front of you I don't care if you are driving a semi or a compact car you are going to have trouble avoiding that stopped vehicle. Stop laying the blame on the truckers, I am sure that at some time in your driving experience you have crossed over or pulled out in front of a semi. We just naturally think they can swerve and stop the same as a regular vehicle, which is very untrue. Prayers are with all involved. Stop laying blame if you have not walked in the shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: bath Location: bath county on May 13, 2008 at 04:41 PM
this is a very tragic day here in the county but i would like to ad that i was traveling this morning and they did have emergency vehicles up the road warning drivers to slow down and to move over into the other lane because the slow lane was shut down but the passing lane was open and traffic was moving at the time of the accident

Posted by: another truckers wife Location: berea on May 13, 2008 at 04:13 PM
you are right little ole me,i am a truckers wife you need to know all the details before you speak,fist they say he was coming up over a hill,plus it was very bad foggy,also these trucks cant slow down near as fastas a car can plus the weight and him coming down a hill i am sure he done all he could to stop also this man will live with the tragic feelins the rest of his life knowing he killed someone so becareful what you say before you say it

Posted by: Vickie, Trucker's Wife Location: East KY on May 13, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Yes, I'm another one of those trucker wives and I know that it is exceedingly hard for a semi to stop on a dime. You have 80,000 pounds when loaded as apposed to a 4,000 pound car. I have seen passenger cars zip in front of a semi and expect them to keep from hitting them. Truckers have the same speed as any other person, sometimes slower speeds are required for them. With dense fog and NO Traffic Control to warn of the previous accident, it is a small wonder that there wasn't a huge traffic pile-up. Everyone is quick to blame a semi truck driver when an accident involves them. A double standard in my book.

Posted by: David Location: Georgetown on May 13, 2008 at 02:38 PM
This is the 2nd similar style accident in 2 days on a central KY highway. Vehicles slow down due to another accident and get slammed by a semi going full speed, causing fatalities. Maybe we need a night speed limit for trucks?

Posted by: ME Location: Morehead on May 13, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Our prayers are with the McKenzie family.Such a fine family and have been an asset to the Bath County area. I use the interstate every day. I am appalled at the speeds truckers go. As fast as some of them go, there is no way that they can stop. In my opinion, the speed should be dropped to 65 or lower. We are facing a serious gas and diesel situation, lowering the speed limit can help solve some of the problems. Again, Our prayers are with the McKenzie family.

Posted by: Cheryl Location: Olympia on May 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM
I too am wondering why some kind of traffic alert wasn't posted to warn approaching traffic. This is a needless tragedy involving a good man, father, and friend. May his family find a way to get through this.

Posted by: KYMOM Location: lex on May 13, 2008 at 02:00 PM
I still think they should have separate roads for truckers. I know it would be a big task, but it would save so many lives! Too many times I have been on the interstate and almost been ran over by truckers!

Posted by: trucker's wife Location: Georgetown on May 13, 2008 at 01:48 PM
I am a trucker's wife and in case you didn't know, big trucks cannot just stop immediately like passenger vehicles can. Truckers drive the same speed as everyone else and if they went slower I'm sure you would be complaining that they're holding up traffic and in your way. My thoughts and prayers go out to both families of this accident.

Posted by: Sue Location: Kentucky on May 13, 2008 at 12:44 PM
It seems like lately there are so many accidents on I-64 that are involving large trucks. This needs to be a lesson to all us to slow down and pay closer attention.

Posted by: Citizen Location: kentucky on May 13, 2008 at 12:18 PM
To just little old me, the article states there were a previous accident that the police was working that had the road blocked. My question is, during this time it was very foggy and it was over a crest in the road. Why wasn't the police on that crest or before the crest with lights flashing to warn traffic of a accident ahead. And no I'm not a trucker or a truckers wife. Just a citizen that read the story before I started to past judgement on someone else.

Posted by: Heather Location: Owingsville on May 13, 2008 at 12:09 PM
I witnessed the other truck overturn going up O'ville hill on 60 (the detour around original accident) because he was trying to manipulate the curve too fast and he ran off of the road and overturned. The traffic was stopped in the opposite lane so that people could get around this truck. While driving toward town, I passed multiple trucks driving way too fast. I just held my breath hoping that they saw the traffic stopped ahead. Not only that, but many of them were right on the bumpers of the vehicles they were behind. Why do these trucks think they have to drive so fast? They are much larger than passenger vehicles and can cause more damage. Fog was not the issue with this particular accident. Based on where the original accident happened, it is difficult to know what is on the other side of the hill, but I agree that it should have looked odd to the driver to see traffic bumper-to bumper (and stopped) at that time of morning. Again - we don't know all of the details.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: bath co on May 13, 2008 at 11:55 AM
The man was very well known in this community but it's still so hard to place blame when we don't know what really happened. If the trucker was indeed coming over a hill and facing fog then I can see where he's coming from. It's not as easy to stop a big rig like it is a car. But, like I said, we really don't know.

Posted by: Mom Location: KY on May 13, 2008 at 11:09 AM
With the dense fog, he was still probably driving too fast, and got right upon the car before he saw it, and couldn't stop.

Posted by: me Location: ky on May 13, 2008 at 10:22 AM
If I'm correct , it stated that the fog was dense. I too, find it hard sometimes to see when there is fog. Could go either way...

Posted by: Just Little Old Me Location: Ky on May 13, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I'm just waiting for a trucker or their spouse to come on here and say it wasn't the trucker's fault. If you can't tell that a car isn't moving in a lane, you need your license taken away.

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