A semi-truck struck a veterans memorial while attempting to navigate a roundabout in Elizabethton, Tennessee, on Tuesday, February 25, leaving a trail of debris as it continued down the highway.

According to WCYB, the truck got stuck in the roundabout and, in an attempt to get free, collided with the monument, dislodging a large chunk of concrete.

Local resident Michael Kaal witnessed and filmed the aftermath of the crash.

“He started just kind of accelerating and then just completely gassed it,” Kaal said. “At that point, he plowed right into the side of the memorial. He took out the cannon. I’m just kind of in shock, watching this whole thing. Rocks are flying everywhere.”

Kaal immediately called 911 and followed the semi-truck while recording, capturing footage of the vehicle dragging a massive piece of concrete for nearly a mile before stopping.

Ongoing Trucking Issues at the Roundabout

Local officials say the roundabout has seen multiple truck-related accidents since Hurricane Helene damaged the Broad Street Bridge, forcing commercial vehicles (CMVs) to find alternate routes.

“This makes about the second, maybe third incident where somebody’s clipped the monument,” said city spokesperson Ivan Sanders.

Despite large warning signs, trucks continue to use the roundabout, as GPS systems direct them through the shortcut to save time.

Bridge Repairs Expected by May

Work on the Broad Street Bridge is expected to be completed by May, but until then, officials say there isn’t much more they can do to redirect truck traffic away from the roundabout.