WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |18-wheeler explodes on I-12

18-wheeler explodes on I-12

WALKER, LA (WAFB) - An early morning crash Friday on I-12 near Walker caused an 18-wheeler to explode and sent the driver of the car that hit it to the hospital.

According to reports, the driver of a Nissan Infinity, Ryan Wayne Stewart, 27, was going east on I-12 when he left the roadway, crossed the median and hit an 18-wheeler.  Stewart and his passenger, Donald Chase Cade, 26, were trapped in their vehicle as the truck caught fire.

As officer arrived, the truck was completely engulfed in flames and exploded, sending large pieces of debris across the highway.  The driver and passenger of the truck, Charlie and Resta Roberson, had escaped before the explosion.

Stewart and Cade were taken to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and are in serious but stable condition.

I-12 was shut down as responding personnel worked to clear the debris from the accident.  It was reopened shortly before 7 a.m.

Stewart will be charged with DWI (first offense), negligent injury, failure to maintain control, driving under suspension and no seat belt.

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