Fatal Car Crash Blamed On Alligator In The Roadway [Graphic Photo]

Authorities in the New Orleans area say a fatal crash early Friday  morning was the direct result of an alligator crossing Interstate 10. It's a not so subtle reminder that driver's should always be aware of their surroundings, even when the traffic is light in the early morning hours. Here's what authorities told the Louisiana Radio Network about the crash.

"A driver of an Econoline van struck an alligator that was crossing in the road."

That's what Officer Frank Robertson told reporters. As you might imagine when you're driving on the interstate at four in the morning you aren't expecting a large reptile to be in the roadway but this is Louisiana. What happened next is where the incident takes a very unfortunate turn.

The driver of the Econoline van stopped in the roadway to see what he had hit. A Mitsubishi Eclipse traveling at freeway speed crashed into the back of the van that was stopped on the roadway.

The driver of the Eclipse was pronounced dead at the scene. The alligator was found dead beneath the Econoline van.The driver and a passenger in the Eclipse were taken to a local hospital with undisclosed injuries.