Fatal crash shuts down I-12 near Livingston, Tangipahoa parish line; 2 dead, 1 injured

SPRINGFIELD, La. (WAFB) - Two people are dead and one other was injured following a multi-vehicle crash on I-12 near the Livingston, Tangipahoa parish line on Friday, Sept. 13, Louisiana State Police confirms.

The crash happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. LSP says the crash happened on I-12 W east of LA 43 in Livingston Parish. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

LSP investigators say the wreck happened as a Kenworth 18-wheeler and a 2018 Toyota Highlander were headed west on I-12, when for reasons still under investigation, the 18-wheeler hit the Toyota. This caused both vehicles to cross the median and enter the eastbound side of the interstate. The 18-wheeler then hit a Western Star 18-wheeler head-on as the Toyota flipped. After the head-on crash, both vehicles caught fire, LSP says.

Due to the severity of the fire, it’s unknown if either 18-wheeler drivers were wearing their seat belt. Both 18-wheeler drivers were killed and pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the Toyota sustained moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

It’s unknown if impairment played a part in the wreck, but toxicology samples were taken from all drivers for analysis.

The wreck remains under investigation.

Both sides of the interstate were shut down due to the rescue effort. I-12 East has been reopened at Walker and Albany. However, I-12 W remains closed at I-55, but drivers should expect delays.

Drivers can use to US 190 W as an alternate route to avoid driving on I-12 or I-55. The Livingston Parish School System is also warning parents that their kids may be late in getting home due to the interstate closure.

We will continue to update this story with more information as soon as it’s available. Download the 9News app to get traffic notifications and to view traffic maps in real time.

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