Update:
This crash has been cleared from the roadway.
An article including more details of the crash has been published.
Original:
Iowa, Louisiana – A serious crash on Interstate 10 eastbound near Iowa, Louisiana, has created severe traffic congestion that has persisted for more than eight hours, with all eastbound lanes remaining blocked as emergency crews work to clear the scene.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:05 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, on I-10 eastbound east of Lake Charles. All eastbound travel lanes were shut down following the incident, forcing traffic to squeeze through on the inside shoulder at extremely slow speeds.
By 4:10 p.m., the traffic backup had grown, extending all the way back to Exit 36 at Louisiana Highway 397 near Lake Charles. This represents a significant stretch of interstate highway affected by the closure, impacting thousands of commuters and travelers.
Police and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development have been managing traffic flow by allowing vehicles to pass very slowly on the inside shoulder, though this has created bottleneck conditions that have prevented normal traffic speeds from resuming.
The crash resulted in significant debris on and near the roadway, requiring extensive cleanup efforts. Emergency responders have maintained their presence at the scene throughout the day.
Travelers planning to use I-10 eastbound through this area should expect major delays and consider alternate routes if possible. The backup extends approximately from the Lake Charles area eastward past Iowa, Louisiana, affecting one of the region’s primary transportation corridors.
The crash has impacted both local commuters and long-distance travelers using I-10 as a major east-west route through Louisiana. Commercial trucking has also been significantly affected by the prolonged closure.
Authorities have not yet announced an estimated time for full reopening of all eastbound lanes. Motorists are advised to remain patient and maintain safe following distances while traffic continues to move slowly through the area on the shoulder.