State trooper injured in fiery I-12 tanker crash released from hospital
LIVINGSTON PARISH - A Louisiana State Police (LSP) trooper who was injured in Friday, Nov. 20 crash involving an exploded 18-wheeler has been released from the hospital, Monday (Nov. 23).
The dangerous incident resulted in a hazmat situation last Friday morning, temporarily closed I-12 West in Livingston Parish, and left two people hurt.
The crash occurred around 4:30 a.m. along I-12 East, between Satsuma and Frost. Authorities said the 18-wheeler exploded after it crashed into the state trooper's vehicle, which was parked on the shoulder of the roadway.
According to LSP, though this was a hazmat situation, officials say area residents were safe and there was no need for local evacuations.
The fire from the tanker was extinguished with help from the Livingston Fire Department.
Officials confirmed taht the driver had second-degree burns to his hands as well as flash burns to his head and face but was in stable condition shortly after the incident. The trooper, likewise, suffered minor lacerations and a possible concussion.
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The driver of the 18-wheeler and state trooper were both taken to area hospitals for treatment.
Officials say the trooper's unit was nearly demolished during the incident and called him, "lucky to be alive."
TRAFFIC ALERT: 12 E is CLOSED in Walker after tanker explodes near Satsuma. Three hurt. Alt: Walker Rd to 190 E.
— Ashley Frugé WBRZ (@ashleywbrz) November 20, 2020
@ashleywbrz Video of explosion moments after off of Satsuma pic.twitter.com/6Dz8btCZ1E
— Christine Armentor (@muertas420) November 20, 2020
For continual traffic advisories, watch Ashley Fruge's reports on 2une In on WBRZ Plus from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. and follow her on Twitter at @AshleyWBRZ.