Shreveport, LA (May 23, 2026) – One person died early on Friday morning following a collision involving two 18-wheelers that shut down Interstate 49 southbound near the Martin Luther King Jr. interchange for several hours.
Police said the crash occurred around 1:24 a.m. on May 22, when a 2009 Volvo truck-tractor was traveling at a low speed in the inside lane before moving into the outside lane. Investigators reported the vehicle was then struck from behind by a 2026 Freightliner Penske 18-wheeler.
The Volvo separated from its trailer and overturned during the collision. The Freightliner sustained heavy damage to the front and cab area, leaving the driver trapped inside until emergency units were able to extricate him.
A passenger in the Freightliner died at the scene. The Freightliner driver was taken to Ochsner LSU Health with life-threatening injuries. The Volvo driver was transported to Willis-Knighton North with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
All southbound lanes of Interstate 49 were closed for several hours while crews cleared debris and investigators documented the scene. Investigators are continuing to examine the sequence of events leading to the fatal crash. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who lost their life and hope for recovery for those injured.
Why Rear-End Collisions Involving Large Trucks Can Be Severe
Crashes involving large commercial vehicles can result in serious outcomes due to the size, weight, and stopping distance required for semi-trucks. When traffic speeds change suddenly, or a vehicle shifts lanes, drivers may have little time to react.
Investigators often focus on lane positioning, speed differentials, and visibility conditions when analyzing multi-truck collisions. Truck separation, trailer movement, and braking performance are also key factors in reconstructing the sequence of events leading to the impact.
Highway closures are common in these situations due to the extent of debris and the need for detailed scene documentation. Tools like drone imaging and photography help capture evidence before vehicles and cargo are removed from the roadway.
