URGENT UPDATE: A tragic crash in Tennessee has resulted in the death of a local truck driver, prompting a federal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The crash, which occurred on Interstate 40, involved a tour bus driven by Huang Yisong, a 54-year-old Chinese national, who reportedly does not speak English and holds a non-domiciled New York commercial driver’s license.
Officials confirm that Yisong crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer while allegedly distracted by watching videos on his cell phone. The collision resulted in the death of the truck driver, identified as Kerry Smith, aged 31, from Tennessee. The Department of Transportation is now investigating how Yisong was authorized to drive professionally in the U.S.
“Such incidents raise serious concerns about safety regulations,” stated Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a recent social media post. He emphasized the need for stringent checks on foreign drivers holding U.S. licenses, especially those with language barriers. “Our team is already investigating New York’s opaque licensing practices that enable dangerous, foreign drivers to kill innocent Americans,” Duffy added.
The crash unfolded earlier this week, resulting in a significant traffic jam as first responders arrived at the scene. Witnesses reported that Yisong’s bus veered into oncoming traffic following the initial impact. The bus then collided with a Volkswagen Jetta, adding to the chaos on the highway.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific charges against Yisong, who was arrested following the incident. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has revealed that Yisong failed an English-proficiency test administered after the crash, raising further questions about his ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
There is also growing scrutiny on New York’s commercial licensing practices, particularly regarding non-domiciled licenses. A spokesperson from the New York Department of Transportation stated, “It is the height of hypocrisy for leaders in Washington to place blame at states for following federal rules.” However, this assertion is countered by the recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, mandating that commercial drivers demonstrate proficiency in English.
Duffy announced that he will address this issue in more depth during a press conference scheduled for 10:30 EST on Friday. The press conference is anticipated to shed light on the implications of this incident and potential regulatory changes.
As this situation develops, federal officials are expected to provide updates on the investigation and any changes to commercial driving regulations. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reviews of driver licensing standards and enforcement to prevent future accidents.
Stay tuned for further developments in this breaking story.
