A 3-vehicle crash in eastern Tennessee left eight people dead , police say . The bus , which was owned by Front Street Baptist Church in Statesville , North Carolina , was carrying 18 passengers , five of whom were ejected and killed . Highway Patrol says blunt - force impact caused tire to collapse , bus to veer across median . Inquiry turns up no evidence that drivers were impaired or bus was in disrepair . Bus was carrying seniors home from religious services in Gatlinburg .
A 3-vehicle crash in eastern Tennessee left eight people dead , police say . Highway Patrol says blunt - force impact caused tire to collapse , bus to veer across median . Inquiry turns up no evidence that drivers were impaired or bus was in disrepair . Bus was carrying seniors home from religious services in Gatlinburg .