The NOPD is investigating a fatal vehicle crash that occurred late Sunday night (April 9, 2017) on Interstate 610 East at its intersection with Interstate 10 East near Louisa Street.
At about 11:50 p.m., Third District officers responded to a call of a vehicle accident at the location. Upon arrival, officers discovered a crash involving five vehicles on the flyover bridge.
According to initial investigation, a disabled Nissan sedan that had earlier impacted the right-hand side railing on the flyover bridge had stalled in the right-hand lane. An oncoming Infiniti sedan slowed to avoid the Nissan, followed by a Mercedes Benz sedan. An incoming Hummer SUV then impacted the Mercedes Benz sedan, causing a chain reaction crash with the Infiniti sedan. An incoming Harley Davidson motorcycle occupied by a male and female then impacted the crashed Infiniti sedan.
The male victim, believed to be the motorcycle driver, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of his injuries. The female occupant of the motorcycle was transported via EMS to an area hospital for treatment. No other reports of injuries were immediately available. Toxicology results are pending for the remaining drivers in this incident.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing. No further information is available at this time. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office will determine official cause of death and release the deceased victim's name, upon completion of autopsy.
Traffic Fatality Investigator Danny Ellis is in charge of the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 658-6210 with any information regarding this incident.