UPDATE (from The Associated Press):
RAMAH, La. (AP) – State police say a 50-year-old Lafayette man died when his small SUV crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler on Interstate 10 in Iberville Parish
Trooper Bryan Lee says the accident happened early Friday morning just west of the Ramah exit.
Lee says Alton Ortega died in the crash.
He says two 18-wheeler were stopped in the right lane because of a previous accident and Ortega swerved to the left and then back to the right and hit one of the trailers.
Lee says Ortega was pronounced dead at the scene by the Iberville Parish Coroner’s Office.
RAMAH, LA (WAFB) – Louisiana State Police reported one person was killed in a crash involving two 18-wheelers and another vehicle early Friday morning.
The crash happened on I-10 East near mile marker 133, which is on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge near Ramah, a little after 4 a.m.
Troopers said the person who died was in the sport utility vehicle that rear-ended the second 18-wheeler. The victim’s name has not yet been released.
The wreck caused the complete shutdown of I-10 East in that area for about an hour. The left lane reopened just after 5 a.m. The right lane remained blocked until 8 a.m.
A witness said one 18-wheeler rear-ended the other one and then the SUV rear-ended the second tractor trailer. She described the crash as “horrific.”
Troopers confirmed they believe that is how the crash happened. They added the SUV ran into the back of the second 18-wheeler about 10 minutes after the initial crash.
Witnesses also said at least one other vehicle, possibly two, were left with flat tires after rolling over debris.
It is believed one of the big rigs was carrying beer because the crash left beer cans scattered across the interstate. Crews are working to clear the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
