Four people dead and several more injured in fiery truck crash in Louisiana

An 18-wheeler caused a 10-vehicle crash on a stretch of highway in Louisiana after the driver failed to break while approaching stale traffic.

It all happened on Saturday, May 27, 2018, in Covington. The 18-wheeler, which was hauling a shipment of avocados, triggered a chain reaction upon hitting the first car. Four people lost their lives and 13 were injured.

It is still unknown why the truck driver, whose identity is yet to be revealed, wasn't able to stop, and toxicology tests are currently pending. The Goodbee Fire Department kept the public up to date through their Facebook page.

The crash took place on the Interstate 12 overpass lover Louisiana 21 at around 4 p.m. The accident shut down most of the eastbound side of the highway, forcing other vehicles to use one westbound lane.

Melissa Matey, a State Police spokeswoman, revealed that the truck driver was among the fatal victims of the chain accident, which also killed Baton Rouge's Yoland and Keland Simmons, who were inside the 2014 Lexus hit by the truck.

Rachel Lehmann, from Mandeville, survived long enough to be assisted by the emergency response units but passed away at the hospital

The 1997 Toyota 4Runner that Lehmann was driving was one of the vehicles that caught fire. The local fire department arrived at the scene and fought the flames emanating from the cars, including the 18-wheeler.

The other victims were transported to nearby hospitals and are expected to survive. According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, one of its officers was among the victims of the multi-vehicle crash but he is expected to fully recover.

Through its Facebook post, the Sheriff's Office also took the opportunity to send prayers to the families of all those involved in the accident, as well as thank everyone who expressed their concern.