Egan, LA (February 12, 2026) – Two separate crashes involving a total of seven vehicles shut down the left lane of Interstate 10 West near Exit 65 between Egan and Jennings on Thursday. Louisiana State Police confirmed that the first crash involved three vehicles, followed shortly after by a second collision involving four vehicles in the same stretch. One person sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Lafayette General Hospital, while three others were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The crashes occurred just before La. 97 (Evangeline Highway), prompting a partial closure of I-10W and causing significant traffic congestion, which extended to Trump Rd. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advised drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes as cleanup and recovery operations remain underway.
Key Details
- Location: I-10W near Exit 65 and LA 97 (Evangeline Hwy), between Egan and Jennings
- Date: February 12
- Crashes: Two separate multi-vehicle crashes involving seven vehicles total
- Injuries: 1 person airlifted, 3 others transported to hospitals
- Traffic Impact: Left lane blocked, congestion back to Trump Rd
What We Know So Far
- The first crash involved three vehicles; the second involved four.
- One critically injured person was flown to Lafayette General Hospital.
- Cleanup operations and lane restrictions are still active on I-10W.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact cause of either collision
- The current conditions of the four injured individuals
- Whether charges or citations will be issued following the investigation
Local Context
I-10 serves as a major east-west corridor through southern Louisiana, with high truck and commuter traffic between Jennings and Egan. Multi-vehicle crashes near interchanges like Exit 65 often lead to major traffic disruptions. Emergency response teams regularly coordinate airlift and multiple hospital transports in rural areas like this when serious injuries are reported.
What to Do Next
- Use alternate routes and avoid I-10W between Egan and Jennings until cleared.
- Monitor traffic alerts from DOTD and local agencies for real-time updates.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you were involved and feel any pain or symptoms.
- Request official crash reports for insurance and legal follow-up if affected.
FAQ
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes cause extended lane closures?
A: These incidents require scene investigation, debris removal, vehicle towing, and sometimes medical evacuations, particularly when serious injuries are involved.
Q: What should drivers do when approaching a crash scene with lane closures?
A: Slow down, move over when possible, and follow all traffic control directions. Delays are likely, and the safety of responders is a priority.
Q: How is airlifting coordinated during rural highway crashes?
A: EMS coordinates with regional hospitals and helicopter services to quickly evacuate critically injured individuals when travel time by ground would delay treatment.
