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NOPD Investigating Fatal Crash at Interstate 610 East

by Officer Juan D. Barnes, Sr

May 27, 2017

Categories: On Duty

Topics: Third District, Traffic Fatality/Hit and Run

NOPD Investigating Fatal Crash at Interstate 610 East

The NOPD is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred today (May 27, 2017) on the Interstate 610 East overpass at Franklin Avenue.


At about 1:59 p.m., Third District officers responded to a call of a vehicle accident with injury at the location. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that a male operating a Suzuki motorcycle was traveling east bound in the left lane on the Interstate 610 East overpass. At the same time, a Volvo Truck was traveling east bound in the right lane on the Interstate 610 East overpass. For unknown reasons, the motorcycle operator failed to negotiate the overpass’ curve and side swiped the truck in the right lane. At which time, the motorcycle operator lost control, struck the guardrail and the operator was ejected.

The motorcycle operator sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The 63-year-old driver of the truck was not injured and has not been charged in regard to the crash.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office will release the victim's name and cause of death, upon autopsy and notification of family.

No further information is available at this time.

Traffic Fatality Investigator Edgar Edwards is in charge of the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 658-6215 with any information regarding this incident.

The New Orleans Police Department would like to encourage all riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course.  These courses teach safe riding practices and help you apply safe riding strategies that can help reduce your chance of injury should a crash occur.  Making good choices while riding a motorcycle, such as never driving while impaired and obeying all traffic laws, can often mean the difference between life and death. 

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