Solar eclipse horror: Woman dies after car ploughs into crowd watching spectacle
A WOMAN has died and others were seriously injured when car ploughed into a crowd of people watching the solar eclipse.
Pedestrian killed in crash in Tennessee
The one-in-a-lifetime event turned to tragedy after a white 2001 Lincoln LS mowed down people in Hyden, Kentucky.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, when suspected driver Alyssa Noble, 38, hit a lamppost and two women standing on the pavement watching the eclipse.
Mackenzie P. Hays, 23, was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.
Rhonda Belcher, 41, was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Hospital, officials said
Mackenzie P. Hays, 23, was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene
Ms Noble was taken to Holston-Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee.
State police Capt Jennifer Sandlin said: “It isn't clear at this time what led to her crashing.
"The cause is still under investigation
She could not confirm if Ms Noble was under the influence at the time of the crash.
CPR Sandlin added: “We drive every single day.
“You know, people are out and about on the sidewalk, working on the roadway... things like that. It's something that's very unexpected."
Ms Noble was taken to Holston-Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee
The cause is still under investigation
The women were part of a group enjoying the celestial phenomenon, with Kentucky enjoying a partial eclipse.
The two women are aid to have worked for Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky.
A white 2001 Lincoln LS mowed down people in Hyden, Kentucky
The CEO, Barry Martin, released a statement expressing his condolences.
Mr Martin’s statement read: “A tragic accident occurred today involving our Primary Care Centers family. Officials are investigating the accident.
The women were part of a group enjoying the celestial phenomenon
“We are asking that everyone keep all of those involved in your prayers and be respectful of their privacy."
He added the branch would remain closed for the rest of the week.
It was the first full solar eclipse to cross the US coast to coast for 99 years.
Before the event began on Monday, AAA advised drivers who wished to look at the eclipse to pull over beforehand, and not to drive while eating eclipse glasses.