An 18-Wheeler wreck killed four people including a Baton Rouge police officer in a fiery crash on Interstate 10 just east of Grosse Tete. An 18-wheeler traveling east hit a broken-down 18-wheeler parked on the eastbound shoulder, lost control and crossed the median striking an SUV and another 18-wheeler bursting into flames.
Emergency rescuers could not get close because the flames were too hot. The police officer and his cousin who was also killed were in the SUV. Investigators also mistook the SUV for a small car. Also killed were the drivers of the 18-wheelers. The driver of the broken down 18-wheeler on the shoulder was asleep in the cab and not injured. He was cited for failure to properly display warning devices for a disabled vehicle on the shoulder. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require the 18-wheeler driver to take immediate steps to protect the motoring public. Part 392.22: Emergency signals; stopped commercial motor vehicles.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
