Wrong Way Driver Killed in Head-On Crash on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish

TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
April 4, 2025

Prairieville – Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on April 4, 2025, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 East, near mile marker 171 in Ascension Parish. The crash claimed the life of 39-year-old James Burns of Amite.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 near mile marker 171. At the same time, a 2022 GMC Sierra, driven by Burns, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of travel on Interstate 10 near mile marker 171. As a result, the GMC collided with the Freightliner head-on, and immediately became engulfed in flames.

Burns, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner was properly restrained, suffered moderate injuries, and was transported to a local hospital. As part of the ongoing investigation, standard toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make responsible choices when driving: avoid impairment, fatigue, and distractions. Follow traffic laws and ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. While not all crashes are preventable, simple precautions like these can save lives.

Contact Information:
Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Phone: (225) 921-1384
[email protected]