The NOPD is investing a fatal vehicle crash that occurred in the early hours today (January 17, 2018) on Interstate 10 Westbound near the Franklin Avenue exit.

At about 4:46 a.m., NOPD officers responded to a call of a vehicle crash at the location. After investigation, detectives learned that a Toyota Tundra truck driving on I-10 West in the left lane was traveling up the elevated portion of the interstate when the driver observed a red Ford Explorer in her lane of travel and facing her direction. The Tundra driver then attempted to avoid the vehicle, with icy road conditions believed to have caused her vehicle to spin as she applied her brakes. The side of the Tundra struck the Explorer, causing the Explorer to strike a 57-year-old male victim who was outside of the vehicle after being involved in a prior unrelated crash. The impact then sent the victim off of the elevated portion of interstate onto the ground below.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Tundra driver and the two occupants of that vehicle were transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the Tundra displayed no signs of impairment.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the NOPD’s Traffic Fatality Division at 504-658-6205.