Morning Wreck on I-49 Claims One Life; State Police Suspect Impairment

Louisiana State Police are still investigating a morning wreck that claimed one life.  Troop G spokesman Matt Harris says at around 7 this morning, a disabled 18-wheeler was stopped on the side of I-49 North near mile marker 183, when a pickup truck hit it from behind.  Another truck then hit the first one.  The wreck had the interstate completely blocked for hours this morning.  A passenger in one of the vehicles died in the crash.  No other injuries are reported.

Harris says impairment is believed to be the cause of the accident, and this is the second such wreck just this week.  "We went the whole month of December without a single fatal crash, not even any serious injury crashes.  And we've had two fatal crashes this week, both involving impairment." he says.  "This is the deadliest time of the year.  It is statistically proven that it is, and it's supposed to be the happiest time of the year." He says that's why enforcement is stepped up during the holidays...so maybe troopers can deter people from making the wrong decisions.

He also says seat belt usage does significantly reduce the chances of a fatality in a crash.  Such was the case in Tuesday's wreck.

We'll bring you more details on this story as we get them.  Tune in to 710 KEEL for updates, as well.