Truck crashes into river near LA-MS border; expect heavy delays on I-10

PEARL RIVER, LA (WVUE) - A fatal crash involving two 18-wheelers on Interstate-10 headed into Mississippi is causing major delays for drivers.

It happened around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the bridge over the Middle River at the Louisiana-Mississippi border.

Three vehicles in all were involved in the wreck, according to Louisiana State Police. One of the 18-wheelers took out 170-feet of concrete guardrail along I-10 and plummeted 25-feet into the river. The driver of the truck in the water was killed.

Authorities sent a dive team into the water to recover his body.

The crash was the result of a hit-and-run, according to troopers. Investigators are looking for a black pickup truck they believe was driving recklessly.

The driver tried to pass the 18-wheeler on the shoulder of the road, but was forced to swerve back onto the interstate as they approached the bridge. The pickup truck hit the 18-wheeler, causing the wreck.

The three vehicles involved in the wreck were headed westbound when the accident happened. Passengers in the other vehicles suffered minor injuries.

Eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate were shutdown. The eastbound lanes reopened around 6 a.m. Troopers expected the roadway to be closed through Wednesday morning as crews try to remove the 18-wheeler from the river. Law enforcement is on scene directing traffic.

I-10 is closed at the Interstate-12/Interstate-59 junction. If you are headed eastbound, take I-59 to Highway 607. If you are headed west, exit at Highway 607 to Highway 604 as an alternate route.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. If you have any information about the accident, call Louisiana State Police at 985-893-6250.

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