After a crash significantly slowed down traffic on I-10, another collision happened, resulting in a man losing his life when his car hit an 18-wheeler. According to Louisiana State Police, the semi-truck came to a stop in the westbound right lane of I-10 as traffic was halted due to an earlier crash. A man driving behind the semi-truck did not stop and slammed into the back of the big rig.

Louisiana State Police Trooper First Class Matt Gaspard with the Public Affairs Section of State Police says late Saturday night on I-10 between Jennings and Egan, the westbound lanes of traffic were closed when a tractor-trailer overturned and was blocking both lanes of traffic. Then, just after midnight, Sunday, February 9, the sedan hit the back of the 18-wheeler.

Who Was The Victim Of The Crash?

Gaspard says this is only their preliminary investigation, and they do not know why 58-year-old Luveson Sowell of Baton Rouge did not stop his sedan and ultimately slammed into the back of the 18-wheeler. Sowell, according to troopers, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was severely injured. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner's office.

The big rig driver was wearing a seat belt when the crash happened, and the man was not injured. As is standard in a case like this, blood samples were taken from each driver to determine whether or not any substances impaired them.

What Does Louisiana State Police Officials Want Drivers To Know?

They will continue to investigate this crash. Louisiana State Police reminds drivers about the following driving information in order to stay safe:

  • Everyone in a vehicle must be buckled up.
  • Never drive when any substance impairs you.
  • If you are tired, you should let someone else drive or refrain from driving.
  • Never let anything distract you while you are driving. 

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