This 2005 silver 18-wheeler pulling an unloaded flatbed trailer, operateted by Ellis Morrison of Dry Prong was travelling on I-49 when it exited the roadway, crossed the center barrier, went through the protective cable barrier, crossed the oncoming lane of traffic and into a wooded area on the opposite side of the interstate before coming to rest against a tree. As it exited the road, it struck a 2019 Ford pickup operated by Judson Rives of Mansfield.
Officers at the scene say Morrison apparently passed out or went to sleep while operating the 18-wheeler. He was transported to a local hospital by a Natchitoches Trauma unit. Rives exited his pickup on his own, suffering only a few minor scratches, and refused treatment at the scene.
The incident occurred Wednesday, July 7 with THE first call received at NATCOM 911 around 9:30 a.m.
NPD photos
