The new year began with extremely dense fog in Southeast Louisiana.
Many areas had visibilities down to just feet.
Louisiana State Police reported 16 vehicles were involved in several separate crashes along I-10 in the Slidell area New Year's Eve and early this morning.
"Shortly before 1:00 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a two vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near LA Hwy 1090 in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 36-year-old John Crow of Pascagoula, Mississippi," Trooper William Huggins said in a news release.
Crow was a first responder.
"An overnight collision on I-10 near Slidell claimed the life of a paramedic working for Acadian Ambulance," Spokesman James Hartman said in a release. "St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston has identified the decedent as John Mitchell Crow, 36, of Pascagoula. Crow died of multiple blunt trauma. The manner of death is accidental."
Crow was driving the ambulance.
Huggins says the initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Crow was westbound on Interstate 10 in the 2021 Chevrolet Ambulance.
"At the same time, a 2020 Volvo Straight Box Truck was also westbound on Interstate 10 directly in front of the Ambulance. For reasons still under investigation, the Ambulance struck the rear of the Volvo in the left lane."
The trooper says Crow wearing a seatbelt.
"He sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. He was pronounced deceased on the scene."
Two other people were in the ambulance.
"Two passengers in the Ambulance sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash and were transported to a local hospital."
The driver of the truck was not injured.
