UPDATE, 4:42 p.m.: A multi-vehicle crash on I-10 shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday claimed the lives of an Iowa man and a Lafayette man after an 18-wheeler crossed the interstate median due to front tire failure, according to Louisiana State Police.
The victims were identified by LSP as John Cooper Guidry, 30, of Iowa, and Joshua Lee Babineaux, 34, of Lafayette.
An initial investigation revealed that the crash happened after an eastbound 18-wheeler, driven by Nicholas Anthony, 67, of New Iberia, had a front tire failure.
Police say Anthony lost control and struck an eastbound Ford F250, dragging the F250 across the median into the westbound travel lanes.
When it entered the westbound lanes, the 18-wheeler hit a 2018 Toyota RAV 4 and a 2016 Ram pickup pulling a livestock trailer loaded with several heads of cattle.
Troopers determined Babineaux was the driver of the Toyota SUV and Guidry was an unrestrained passenger in the Ram pickup.
Seat belt usage on the part of Babineaux was unable to be determined due to the severity of the damage, police said.
All other occupants and drivers involved were transported to two area hospitals for treatment of injuries ranging from minor to severe.
UPDATE, 3:58 p.m.: DOTD reports that both westbound lanes of traffic are now open on I-10.
UPDATE, 11:42 A.M.: DOTD reports that I-10 eastbound congestion has cleared. Westbound lanes still closed.
ORIGINAL POST: DUSON, La. (KLFY) — Louisiana State Police have confirmed two fatalities in a multiple-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 between Rayne and Duson near mile marker 92.
Both westbound lanes are currently closed and are heavily congested. The crash has affected eastbound lanes of travel, too, though they are not closed at this time. The DOTD reports m otorists are being diverted onto La. 95 South to U.S. 90
Duson Police Chief Kip Judice told News 10 that officers have closed Exit 92 to traffic, which is currently at a standstill.
State Police have not released the identity of the deceased motorists, pending notification of the families.
Visit www.511la.org for closure information and alternate routes.