Memphis, TN – A fiery crash in South Memphis shocked bystanders Tuesday afternoon after a Nissan sedan struck a tree, split in half, and erupted into a fireball, with the driver fleeing the scene on foot, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD).
High-Speed Crash Turns Street Into Chaos
The incident occurred along Airways Boulevard, a busy industrial corridor, where witnesses reported seeing a Nissan traveling southbound at high speed before the driver lost control and slammed into a tree. The impact was so severe that the vehicle broke apart and caught fire almost instantly.
Nikkarlos Neal, who was across the street getting his car washed at Yep! Car Wash, recounted the terrifying moment.
“I was expecting body bags to come out when it happened,” said Neal. “It didn’t seem survivable.”
Driver Escapes — Then Disappears
According to witness statements and the police crash report, when officers arrived, they found what remained of the car propped up against a parking lot fence, mangled and charred. Bystanders told police that the driver crawled out of the wreckage and hopped a fence to escape.
One eyewitness described the driver as a man without shoes who ran from the scene moments after the explosion. Despite their best efforts, police have not yet identified the driver or the registered owner of the vehicle.
The car’s VIN number was destroyed in the fire, further complicating the investigation. MPD is treating the crash as a hit-and-run and asking anyone with information to come forward.
Community Voices Concerns About Reckless Driving
Marshall Chism, owner of the car wash nearby, told Fox Memphis that he wasn’t entirely shocked by the accident.
“People speed through this area all the time,” said Chism. “It’s industrial, and folks are always rushing to work.”
Residents in the neighborhood say Airways Boulevard is notorious for reckless driving and have long called for speed control measures or more consistent traffic enforcement.
What to Do If You Witness a Hit-and-Run Crash
Police recommend the following steps for anyone witnessing a serious crash:
- Call 911 immediately and report the location and severity
- Take note of any physical description of the fleeing driver
- Do not attempt to chase the individual — let officers handle it
- If safe, record video or take photos from a distance
- Report all observations to responding officers
MPD Seeks Public Assistance
Memphis police are urging anyone who saw the crash, captured video, or has information on the identity of the driver to contact the department or CrimeStoppers anonymously.
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