Driving News, Crime & Press Releases

June 24, 2008

Louisiana State Police - Troop I is currently on the scene of a hazardous material incident that required the closure of the interstate. The incident occurred on I-10 eastbound at milepost 124.8 in St. Martin Parish.

The closure is the result of a early morning vehicle crash east bound on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge involving 18-wheeler hauling a hazardous material (Toluene Diisocyanate) and a passenger vehicle.  For unknown reasons the passenger vehicle struck the 18-wheeler from behind and caught fire.
 
Only minor report of injuries at this time.  I-10 is currently shut down in both directions over the Atchafalaya Basin. 

I-10 (east) from Lafayette is being diverted onto I-49 (north) on to US 190 (east).  

I-10 (west) from Baton Rouge is diverted onto LA 415 (north) to US 190 west).
 

Update (10:45 am)

According to Louisiana State Police Emergency Services Personnel (Hazmat), I-10 will remain closed for the next ten to twelve hours.  This extended time range is due to the highly flammable and poisonous chemical involved in this incident.  I-10 westbound will only be shut down during off loading of the chemical from the burned tanker onto another truck.  This process will take one to two hours.  The detour routes for I-10 eastbound will remain in effect, until the crash scene can be deemed safe.  The detour routes for westbound will only be in effect during the westbound closure.

Further information will be disseminated as it becomes available.

Trooper Stephen Lafargue will be the on-scene Public Information Officer. His contact number is 337-515-8428.
DON’T FORGET TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.LSP.ORG
For More Information, Contact:
Tfc David Anderson
Louisiana State Police
Troop I Public Affairs
Office: 337-262-1917
www.lsp.org