I-10 Crash Near Duson Kills One, Four Others Injured

Just after 5 pm, Tuesday evening traffic in the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 near Duson ground to halt following a single-vehicle crash. That crash claimed the life of a Texas man and injured four others while closing the roadway for several hours as first responders cleared the scene.

According to the Louisiana State Troopers, a Ford F-350 truck hauling a utility trailer apparently suffered a sudden tire failure. This failure caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle and the trailer. The vehicle eventually came to rest on its side in the median near milepost 99.

The crash claimed the life of Juan Carlos Hernandez of San Antonio. Hernandez who was a passenger in the left rear seat of the vehicle was not properly restrained at the time of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other backseat passengers were also not properly restrained however they only suffered moderate injuries. The driver and front-seat passenger in the truck were properly restrained according to Troopers. But, they too suffered moderate injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Authorities were able to reopen one lane of travel on the interstate at about 7:30 last night. Later in the evening, both lanes of travel were cleared. State Police say that while suspect a sudden tire failure is the most likely cause of this crash they will continue to investigate the circumstances that caused it.

It is estimated that every year more than 500 people are killed in traffic crashes that were caused by catastrophic tire failure. Those same crashes are believed to be responsible for some 19,000 injuries across the nation as well.

With summer driving season upon us it is suggested that you double-check the condition of your tires before you hit the roadway on any long journey. Of course, it's not a bad idea to check your tires on a regular basis. For example, every time you fill up you should give your tires a visual inspection, and at least once per month use a tire gauge to check on the air pressure.

Properly inflated tires can not only improve the handling of your vehicle and extend your gas mileage, having your tires properly inflated will also extend the life of your tires as well.