Lanes Reopened After a Crash on I-10 East Near Vinton Closes Roadway April 12

Update:

On April 13, 2022, at approximately 5:20 am, Louisiana DOTD announced that all lanes had reopened on I-10 eastbound at Mile Marker 2 after a crash closed the roadway for several hours.

Vinton, Louisiana  – On April 12, 2022, shortly before 10:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in Calcasieu Parish, about 2 miles east of the Texas state line. Claudia Williams, 25, of Orange, Texas, was killed in the crash.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Williams was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox west in the eastbound lanes of I-10 at a high rate of speed. Simultaneously, the driver of a 2022 Nissan Frontier was driving east on I-10. The driver of the Nissan took evasive maneuvers to avoid the collision, but he collided with the trailer of an unidentified 18-wheeler traveling east. The Nissan was sideswiped by the Chevrolet after the collision with the 18-wheeler. The Chevrolet continued west and collided with a 2022 Kenworth 18-wheeler.

Williams, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, died as a result of injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Both the driver of the Nissan and the driver of the 18-wheeler, who were properly restrained, suffered minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Toxicology samples were collected and will be analyzed. This crash is still being investigated.
Louisiana State Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to always make sound decisions when driving. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, and always ensure that all occupants are properly restrained and that all traffic laws are followed. While not all car accidents are avoidable, simple precautions like these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Louisiana State Police Troop D reported that they have investigated 4 fatal crashes resulting in 5 deaths in 2022.

Original traffic notification:

On April 12, 2022, at approximately 10:45 pm, a crash was reported near Vinton, LA, on I-10 eastbound near Mile Marker 2. All eastbound lanes are closed. At the time, congestion had reached the Louisiana/Texas State Line. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.