NEW ORLEANS (Azat TV) – Two people were hospitalized in stable condition after a dump truck crashed through a concrete barrier on the Interstate 10 eastbound bridge and plummeted onto Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans, according to local police and WDSU.
New Orleans Police Capt. Kendrick Allen stated that emergency responders were called to the intersection of Claiborne and St. Bernard avenues at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Investigators determined that the driver of the truck swerved to avoid a separate collision on the elevated overpass, taking a defensive maneuver that sent the heavy vehicle through the concrete railing and rebar.
Impact and Street-Level Damage
The dump truck landed on its side atop the hood of a parked, unoccupied silver Nissan Rogue near Circle Food Market, spilling construction debris, dirt, and fuel onto the roadway. Witness Belden “Noonie Man” Batiste reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a man exit through the windshield before calling emergency services. Emergency medical personnel subsequently extricated a second occupant from the cab.
Both the truck’s driver and passenger sustained injuries and were transported to University Medical Center, where police confirmed they were listed in stable condition. Capt. Allen noted that because the vehicle went over the edge while executing an evasive maneuver, it is unlikely the driver will face traffic citations.
Traffic Disruption and Infrastructure Repairs
The catastrophic accident severely disrupted local transit arteries. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development responded to secure the breach, placing temporary water-filled barriers along the gap in the I-10 guardrail while engineers evaluate the structural integrity of the damaged elevated structure.
As of Thursday evening, the two right lanes of I-10 East remained blocked near the Claiborne Avenue exit, and closures affected stretches of Claiborne Avenue near Columbus Street. Authorities urged motorists traveling toward New Orleans East or Slidell to detour via Interstate 610 and West End.
Mayor Helena Moreno, currently abroad, issued a statement expressing gratitude that no fatalities occurred in what she described as an incredibly serious accident, while praising the rapid coordination of first responders and cleanup crews.