Crash kills 1, another escapes burning car:Stinnett abandons vehicle before it explodes

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

The car driven by Francisco Goana crashed into a tree after colliding with another car at the intersection of Jacksboro and Old Shelbyville roads Monday evening. (Duane Sherrill photos)

One man was killed and another lucky to be alive after he escaped from his burning vehicle following a crash in Jacksboro Monday evening.

The fatally injured victim, Francisco J. Goana, 31, died after being airlifted from the scene by LifeForce helicopter to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. The driver of the other vehicle, Jonathan R. Stinnett, 25, emerged without injury despite the fact his car was completely consumed by fire.

According to Highway Patrolman Gary Myers, the accident happened at the intersection of Highway 287 (Jacksboro Highway) and Old Shelbyville Road around 8 p.m.

The preliminary investigation revealed Goana was traveling on Old Shelbyville Road in his 2000 Dodge when he failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the intersection directly in the path of Stinnett’s 1995 Toyota. At that point, Stinnett, who had the right of way, tried to steer around the Goana vehicle but was unable to avoid the collision, striking Goana in the driver’s side. The impact forced both vehicles off the road and into a nearby wooded area where Goana’s car struck a tree. Goana was trapped in his vehicle for several minutes as rescuers extricated him from the wreckage.

Stinnett’s vehicle, which came to rest at the edge of the wood line, burst into flames. Stinnett and his dog were able to escape just before the explosion which engulfed the car in a fire ball, completely destroying it.

“I don’t really remember how I got out,” said a shaken Stinnett at the scene as he clung to his dog.

Stinnett said his airbag deployed on impact, noting the only sign he had been in an accident was that his cross necklace, which was across his chest, had been bent by the force of the airbag.