Interstate 55 Multi-Vehicle Crash Update: Forensic Investigation Reduces Number of Crash Victims to Seven Fatalities

TROOP B NEWS RELEASE UPDATE
October 27, 2023

Interstate 55 Multi-Vehicle Crash Update:
Forensic Investigation Reduces Number of Crash Victims to Seven Fatalities

St. John the Baptist Parish – As the investigation into the multi-vehicle crash on I-55 progresses, Troopers and forensic examiners have made significant advancements. It has been determined that the incident tragically claimed the lives of seven victims rather than the initially reported eight victims.

The intense fires complicated the identification of victims and vehicles involved in the incident. In addition to the remains found throughout the crash scene, several bone fragments were also recovered, leading investigators to believe there was an eighth victim. In a collaborative effort, Troopers worked closely with the St. John the Baptist Parish Coroner’s Office, Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office, and The LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Laboratory. Collectively, it has been determined that there are no additional or unknown victims of this tragic incident other than those already identified.

Throughout this investigation, Troopers have received an invaluable amount of support from the community, who submitted countless amounts of footage and information. This assistance has greatly aided Troopers in the development of the investigation.

In addition, the public is encouraged to utilize the Louisiana Department of Health behavioral health resource guide for all those affected by this tragic incident: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Coronavirus/resources/obh/Behavioral-Health-Immediate-Resources.pdf.

This crash remains under investigation, and we will continue to update the public as it progresses. All updates will also be posted to the Louisiana State Police Facebook page.