Two Killed, Several Injured in Tragic Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 62 in Morgan County
MORGAN COUNTY, TN — A devastating two-vehicle crash on Wednesday morning has left two people dead and several others injured, marking a tragic day for the communities of Coalfield and Oliver Springs. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has confirmed the identities of the deceased as 53-year-old Pamela Bane and 37-year-old Danielle Melton.
The fatal collision occurred along Highway 62, a busy stretch of road between Coalfield and Oliver Springs, and has left residents shaken as they mourn the sudden loss of two lives and pray for the recovery of those injured.
According to the THP crash report, the accident took place when Danielle Melton, who was driving a 2008 Honda CRV, was traveling westbound on the highway. Investigators say Melton failed to maintain her lane, causing her vehicle to cross into the path of a 2012 Ford F-450 van operated by Life Care Center of Morgan County. The van was carrying four people at the time of the crash.
Pamela Bane, a passenger in the Lifecare van, tragically succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene. Melton, the driver of the CRV, was also killed in the crash.
The impact of the collision was so severe that the Lifecare van left the roadway and plunged down an embankment before coming to rest in an uncontrolled stop.
Three other occupants of the van were also affected by the crash:
- Kelly Hall, 67, who was driving the van, sustained injuries and was transported for medical care.
- Sandra Mitchell, 70, a passenger in the van, was also injured.
- Cynthia King, 60, was also a passenger in the van but was not injured, according to the report.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies rushed to the scene to provide aid and secure the area. Rescue efforts were complicated by the steep terrain of the embankment and the positioning of the van following the crash.
As the Tennessee Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, community members are left to grapple with the tragic loss of two lives and the trauma endured by the survivors.
Pamela Bane is being remembered as a kind and gentle soul, dedicated to helping others, particularly through her association with the Life Care Center. Her sudden passing has left her coworkers and those she served heartbroken.
Danielle Melton, whose actions behind the wheel led to the collision, also leaves behind grieving family and friends. Though the investigation is ongoing, there are no reports at this time suggesting impairment or distractions, but the THP has not ruled out any contributing factors as they work to determine the exact cause of the crash.
In the days ahead, the community will be rallying around those affected by this tragic event. Support services are expected to be made available to both the families of the deceased and the surviving victims.
The section of Highway 62 where the crash occurred has long been considered a potentially dangerous stretch of road, especially during early morning hours or inclement weather. Residents are urging authorities to consider enhanced safety measures in the area.
As Morgan County mourns the loss of Pamela Bane and Danielle Melton, thoughts and prayers continue to pour in for the families impacted, the survivors recovering from their injuries, and the first responders who were among the first on the scene.
Funeral arrangements for Bane and Melton are expected to be announced in the coming days. The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s investigation remains active, and updates will be shared as more information becomes available.