Nine passengers aboard a pedal tavern were injured in a collision with a Toyota RAV4 in downtown Nashville on Thursday evening, 22nd October. The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. local time near 1033 Demonbreun Street, a popular area frequented by tourists.
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According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the driver of the RAV4 was reportedly “distracted” at the time of the crash, which resulted in the vehicle being rear-ended. Although there were injuries among the passengers, both drivers, including the operator of the pedal tavern, remained unhurt.
Of the twelve individuals aboard the pedal tavern, nine required medical attention, with at least two sustaining serious injuries. As of Friday, 23rd October, six of the injured passengers were still receiving treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center but were in stable, non-critical condition, authorities confirmed.
The owners of the Nashville Pedal Tavern, Angie and Brian Gleason, expressed their concern in a statement. They acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, stating: “Last night, one of our Pedal Tavern vehicles was struck from behind on Demonbreun Street by a distracted driver, who was cited by the Metro Nashville Police Department. Several guests were injured and taken to the hospital. Our hearts are with our guests, our team member, and their families.”
They further emphasised their commitment to safety, noting that it had been the cornerstone of their operations for the past sixteen years. The Gleasons also mentioned their cooperation with the ongoing investigation by the MNPD.
The ages of the crash victims ranged from 40 to 67, originating from several states, including Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, and even India, as reported by local news outlet WKRN. However, the identities of those involved have not been released to the public.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell addressed the incident in response to queries during his weekly roundtable press conference the following day. He highlighted ongoing safety initiatives within downtown Nashville and remarked on recent changes to state legislation affecting tourism development zones, which had caused a temporary halt to safety-oriented projects.
O’Connell referred to ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures in the area, which has seen a rise in pedal taverns, scooters, and party buses. These mobile bars have become popular attractions in Nashville’s Broadway district, especially among tourists and bachelorette parties. However, some local residents have raised concerns regarding the safety and traffic disruptions caused by these vehicles.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident, the MNPD has been contacted for any further comments or developments related to the crash. The pedal tavern industry remains a subject of discussion in Nashville, with the balance between tourism growth and public safety increasingly in focus.