NEW ORLEANS - The NOPD is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred early this morning (May 2, 2021) on Interstate 10 near the Crowder Boulevard exit. 

At around 3:38 a.m., NOPD Seventh District officers responded to a two-vehicle accident at the location.  The initial investigation has revealed that the driver of a vehicle #1 was heading east on I-10 when it became disabled in the right travel lane without lights.   The driver of vehicle #2, also heading eastbound in the right travel lane, crashed into the rear of vehicle #1.  Both vehicles moved several feet before stopping in a grassy area on the side of the interstate.  As a result, the driver of vehicle #1, a 36-year-old man, suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by NOEMS.     

No further information is available at this time.  The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will identify the decedent and determine the official cause of death, upon completion of autopsy and notification of family.   

NOPD Traffic Fatality Investigator Michael Baldassaro is in charge of the investigation and can be reached at 504-658-6208 with any information regarding this investigation.