Traffic congestion causes 2 separate crashes on I-10 in Louisiana on 2 straight days, killing 2 drivers
Two people are dead after both rear-ended semi trucks on Interstate 10 in Louisiana on two separate days in two separate crashes, according to a Louisiana State Police (LSP) press release.
On Monday morning just before 10:00 a.m., LSP says it began investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on Interstate 10 west approaching LA Highway 641 in St. John the Baptist Parish. The crash claimed the life of 67-year-old Van Nguyen of LaPlace.
The release stated that LSP’s preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 International 18-wheeler was stopped in the left lane of Interstate 10 westbound due to traffic congestion. At the same time, a 2021 Toyota Sienna was traveling west on Interstate 10 behind the International. For reasons still under investigation, Nguyen failed to stop for traffic congestion and struck the rear of the International’s box trailer.
Police say that though Nguyen was properly restrained, he suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the International was properly restrained and uninjured.
On Tuesday morning at approximately 4:00 a.m., LSP says it responded to a second fatal crash on Interstate 10 east near milepost 147 in West Baton Rouge Parish. That crash claimed the life of 51-year-old Phillip Scott of Albany.
LSP’s release stated that a 2025 International tractor-trailer was traveling east on Interstate 10. Traffic was stopped in the area due to construction. At the same time, a 2016 International box truck, driven by Scott, was also traveling east and approaching the stopped traffic. Scott failed to stop and rear-ended the tractor-trailer.
Scott was properly restrained but sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. A passenger in the box truck was also properly restrained, sustained minor injuries, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the tractor-trailer was properly restrained and was uninjured. Impairment is not suspected in either crash, however, routine toxicology samples will be collected and submitted for analysis.
Both crashes remain under investigation.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
