Police say a driver who admitted he was distracted by his radio rear‑ended a Pedal Tavern on Demonbreun Street in downtown Nashville on Thursday night. The collision injured 13 patrons, with ten requiring transport to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Victim’s condition and gratitude
Among those hurt was Nashville resident Joanna Reileah, who disclosed that she suffered a broken back, a broken nose and several other injuries. Reileah told reporters she faces a long road to recovery but remains humbled by the kindness she received.
“I’m truly humbled by the kindness and compassion shown to me following the Nashville Pedal Tavern accident,” Reileah said. “From the good Samaritan who stopped to help, to the first responders, paramedics, and officers on scene, to the compassionate nursing staff at Vanderbilt, I will never forget the care, kindness, and humanity shown to me when I needed it most.”
Mayor emphasizes safety awareness
Mayor Freddie O’Connell said the city continues to explore ways to make downtown streets safer, noting that distracted driving remains a difficult issue to regulate.
“This one is tough because distracted driving is as much an awareness issue as anything else,” O’Connell said. He added that he was relieved to hear that all injured victims were stable and expected to survive.
Police investigation
Police have not announced any charges at this time. Officers are encouraging drivers to eliminate distractions while behind the wheel as the city evaluates additional safety measures for its busy tourism district.
Community support
Reileah is accepting donations to assist with her recovery journey. Local residents have responded with offers of help and financial contributions, reflecting the strong community spirit that often emerges after tragedies.
The incident has sparked renewed conversation about traffic safety in one of Nashville’s most frequented areas, with city officials and community leaders urging motorists to stay focused and obey traffic laws.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
