Two perish in fiery multiple vehicle crash that shut down I-12

UPDATE September 13, 3 p.m.——————————————————————

Louisiana police have released additional information about the multiple vehicle crash that shut down both directions of I-12 in Albany earlier today.

Police have confirmed that two people died in the crash. Their identities have not yet been released. One other person was injured.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a semi truck traveling on east on I-12 crashed into an SUV. This crash sent both vehicles crashing though the median. The eastbound semi truck then reportedly collided with a westbound truck head on.

Henry is the truck driver who called 911 on I-12 today. He says he watched another truck, already on fire, cross over the median and hit the truck in front of him. He was able to slow down enough to keep himself safe. #WWLTV pic.twitter.com/S3PJDxsqNU

— Devin Bartolotta (@devinbartolotta) September 13, 2019

Both directions of I-12 are still closed.

Officials in Livingston Parish are asking drivers to avoid unnecessary travel this afternoon. I-12 EB & WB, I-55, and US 190 are parking lots. pic.twitter.com/gTmM3xQ6iB

— WBRZ TRAFFIC (@wbrztraffic) September 13, 2019

ORIGINAL REPORT——————————————————————————-

Louisiana transportation officials have advised that I-12 is shut down until further notice following a deadly multiple vehicle crash.

The crash was reported around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 13, on westbound I-12 near the Springfield Exit in Albany, Louisiana.

Troop A and L Traffic Advisory:Both lanes of travel on I-12 westbound near the Springfield exit are currently closed due to a vehicle fire. Please avoid the area if possible as crews work to clear the scene.

Posted by Louisiana State Police on Friday, September 13, 2019

The exact number of vehicles involved in the crash isn’t yet clear, but early reports from police indicate that the pileup involved at least two semi trucks and an unknown number of passenger vehicles.

The crash resulted in a large fire and sent up heavy plumes of black smoke that were visible for miles.

Police have also confirmed that at least one person died in the crash. It isn’t yet clear how many are hurt.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-12 have reportedly closed. Drivers are being asked to find an alternate route.

VIDEO: I-12 still shut down by fiery pile-up in Livingston Parish; state police say at least one person is dead https://t.co/4SO4ZY5wwU pic.twitter.com/tEvnyHNg7R

— WBRZ News (@WBRZ) September 13, 2019