I-49 in North Caddo Is Shut Down in Big Rig Crash
Big delays in north Caddo Parish following a multi-vehicle crash on I-49 Monday afternoon. Traffic was backed up for hours when this wreck happened in the southbound lanes of Interstate 49 near the Rodessa Ida Road intersection at Louisiana Highway 168.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office shut down the freeway while the wreck was cleared up. Emergency response teams and deputies rushed to the scene after the collision, which initially left one driver trapped inside their cab and triggered an emergency response from Life Air. Two people were rushed to the hospital from this wreck—one patient was taken to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, while the other was admitted to North Caddo Medical Center. No word at this time on the condition of the patients.
Hazmat Response and Extended Road Closures
In addition to blocking the roadway, the violent impact caused a significant oil spill across the interstate. Louisiana State Police Hazmat was immediately notified of the hazard, though responding wrecker services have managed to keep the cleanup under control. Heavy tow trucks are currently on the scene working to clear the wreckage and restore safe traveling conditions.
State highway officials and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) worked with local officials to redirect traffic while the highway was blocked.
