Local
Nashville 911 callers described injured riders after Demonbreun Street Pedal Tavern crash
Newly released emergency calls recount the response after a Toyota RAV4 struck a Pedal Tavern carrying 13 tourists in downtown Nashville on Oct. 22. Several riders were hurt and taken to hospitals, but police said no one suffered serious injuries.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Callers to 911 reported multiple people injured and asked for several ambulances after a Toyota RAV4 struck a Pedal Tavern on Demonbreun Street in the Gulch on Oct. 22, according to recordings released Monday.
“One caller told dispatch that about 10 people were on the ground and urged responders to hurry. Another said people were bleeding. A caller told dispatch, “We will need many ambulances.”
The Pedal Tavern was carrying 13 tourists, ages 40 to 67, from Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana and India. Several people were taken to hospitals. Metro Nashville police later said no one involved was seriously injured.
The driver remained at the scene and called 911, saying he had hit the Pedal Tavern. He told police he was distracted by his radio. Police said he was cooperative and showed no signs of impairment; he was cited in connection with the crash.
The owners of Nashville Pedal Tavern said several guests were injured and expressed concern for them, their employee and their families. They said the company was cooperating with the police investigation and that safety has been central to its operations.
The collision has renewed calls for stronger traffic enforcement and street improvements downtown, where the crash has focused attention on the safety of people sharing busy streets with vehicles and commercial tours.