One killed in 1-81 wreck

From Staff Reports

   A traffic accident that occurred on Interstate 1-81 near University Parkway in Johnson City yesterday afternoon left one woman dead and another woman seriously injured, according to a report issued by the Johnson City Bureau of Police.
   At approximately 3 p.m., police officers found a Chevrolet pickup truck fully engulfed in flames in the grass median, and a Mercedes was in the middle of the roadway with extensive front-end damage.
   Witnesses said the driver of the Mercedes was traveling south on 1-81, and was driving recklessly. As the vehicle approached the University Parkway exit, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crossed the grass median, striking the pickup truck, which was traveling north on 1-81.
   The impact of the collision caused the Chevrolet truck to catch fire and killed the female driver, according to the report. Her name was not released pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
   The driver of the Mercedes, Pamela Toler, 40, of 2928 Chestnut Lane, Johnson City, received serious injuries and was transported to the Johnson City Medical Center where she is being treated.
   The Traffic Homicide Team of the Johnson City Police Department is in charge of the investigation, which is continuing. Charges are pending at this time.