Police Search For Pickup Truck That Knocked 18-Wheeler Off Bridge, Killing Trucker

On Tuesday evening, the driver of an 18-wheeler died after his rig plunged into the Pearl River, near the Lousiana-Mississippi border. This morning investigators revealed that a pickup truck is to blame for the deadly crash.

According to Nola.com, the black pickup attempted to pass a semi truck on the right shoulder of Interstate 10, but ran out of room as the shoulder came to an end before the bridge. The pickup struck a semi truck while trying to swerve into the right lane, causing the semi to loose control and strike another 18-wheeler. One of the semi trucks broke through the bridge’s barrier and plunged into the river below.

Investigators says the truck took out roughly 75-feet of railing as it fell off the side of the bridge. The body of the deceased driver was later discovered by divers from St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. His identity has not been revealed.

Officers are currently searching for the driver of the pickup truck, who fled the scene after the accident.

The highway was closed in both directions overnight, but has since reopened. Highway workers have replaced the missing bridge railing with a temporary concrete barrier.

The Louisiana State Police posted the following update on Facebook on Wednesday morning.