Wrong-way driver killed in fiery crash involving 18-wheeler, officials say
PRAIRIEVILLE - Troopers with the Louisiana State Police are investigating after they say a wrong-way driver was killed in a head-on crash on the interstate in Ascension Parish.
Officials identified the victim as James Burns, 39, of Amite.
The two-vehicle crash happened shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Friday, April 4, on Interstate 10 East between the Highland Road and Prairieville exit near the parish line. Louisiana State Police, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. George Fire Department, and other agencies responded to the scene.
According to LSP’s preliminary investigation, a 2013 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound on I-10 East when a 2022 GMC Sierra collided with it, immediately engulfing the vehicle in flames. Burns was allegedly driving the GMC westbound in the eastbound lanes of travel when the crash occurred.
The Ascension Parish coroner was called to the scene.
State police said Burns, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene.
The Freightliner’s driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, added state police.
All lanes have reopened after the crash caused temporary traffic delays on I-10.
The highway reopened just before 7 a.m.
I-10 eastbound traffic is flowing again between Highland and Prairieville. The crash has been cleared; all lanes are open...... pic.twitter.com/KDChAdIzVv
— WAFB First Alert Traffic (@WAFBTraffic) April 4, 2025
TRAFFIC ALERT: Held up in traffic along I-10? Authorities are still responding to the scene where this 18-wheeler was on fire. This video is from I-10 Eastbound at Bluff Rd (Ascension Parish) as of 1:40 Friday morning. https://t.co/qtHuzDeywY @WAFB @WAFBTraffic pic.twitter.com/S5XYKC1M5J
— lizkohTV (@lizkohTV) April 4, 2025
I-10 EAST is still closed between Highland & Prairieville. Traffic is being forced off I-10 east at Highland due to an early morning 18-wheeler fire .... Use Bluff Road or Airline Highway as alternates pic.twitter.com/PYTektqsxF
— WAFB First Alert Traffic (@WAFBTraffic) April 4, 2025
Traffic was forced off the interstate at the Highland Road exit.
Standard toxicology samples were collected for analysis, confirmed officials.
This is an ongoing investigation.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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