METAIRIE, La. (WWLTV) – A state trooper pulled two women from a burning car after a crash on the Causeway that shut down the southbound span for about 90 minutes.

A Causeway Police spokesperson said that around 1:30 p.m. a car with two women inside broke down in the right lane. Moments later a truck rear-ended them and a fire broke out.

State police officer Steven Paulus with Troop L was in the area when the crash happened and pulled the women out of the burning car. The two women had several lacerations and were taken to the hospital, but their injures were not severe and they were not burned.

Carlton Dufrechou with the Causeway Police said the police officer likely saved their lives.

The incident occurred near the five-mile marker on the span. Cars that had been caught behind the incident were allowed to slowly pass and exit the span. The Causeway’s southbound traffic reopened shortly before 3 p.m.