Four Hospitalized in Louisiana Wrong-Way Driver Head-On Crash on I-49

Louisiana - Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator reported on November 7, 2022, that four persons remained hospitalized following a severe crash on Interstate 49 on Sunday night.

According to authorities, a red Buick Verano occupied by a female driver and a three-year-old toddler was reported heading the wrong way on I-49 North shortly before 10 p.m. on November 6 when it collided head-on with a black Kia Forte.
Following the original collision, a white Honda Accord traveling north collided with the wrong-way driver's Buick, forcing it to flip multiple times before landing off the road. The Honda was then hit by a Toyota Camry.

The wrong-way driver and the toddler in her car were not restrained, according to Caddo authorities. As a result of the rear seat flipping after the violent crash, first responders discovered the child in the trunk of the Buick. The two were rushed to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The drivers of the Kia and Honda were also brought to the hospital, while the Toyota driver and passenger were treated at the scene of the crash.
During the first response, I-49 North lanes were closed for many hours, while I-49 South was reduced to one lane. Several agencies, including the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office, Shreveport Police, Caddo Fire District 5, and the Shreveport Fire Department were all involved.

I-49 reopened just after 3 a.m. on Monday after the scene was cleared. The crash is still being investigated.