Louisiana resident killed in crash that closed I-10 in Orange County

Published 11:19 am Tuesday, October 20, 2020

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(Editor’s note: Officials announced at 11:57 a.m. Tuesday that all westbound traffic lanes of Interstate 10 reopened. Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling in the area and stay alert for stopped or slow moving traffic.)

The Texas Department of Public Safety responded to a multiple vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in Orange County at approximately 5:50 a.m. Tuesday.

The crash occurred just beyond Doty Road.

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The preliminary DPS crash investigation indicates a 3/4-ton Dodge pickup truck towing a car hauler with three vehicles was traveling westbound on Interstate 10.

According to the driver of the Dodge, his vehicle experienced mechanical issues and was disabled partially in the left lane of traffic.

The driver exited the vehicle to work on the mechanical issue when the trailer portion of his vehicle was struck by a Chevrolet pickup truck.

The driver of the Dodge, 57-year-old Jose Soriano of Houston, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Chevrolet, 46-year-old Richard Thibeaux of Louisiana, was taken to St. Elizabeth hospital with serious injuries.

The front passenger of the Chevrolet, 21-year-old Jaylon Kurt Harrison of Broussard, La., was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Rodney Price at the scene.

The rear passenger of the Chevrolet, also a resident of Louisiana, was not injured.

All westbound traffic lanes of Interstate 10, near Doty Road, remain closed. Motorists are urged to find an alternate travel route.

The fatal crash remains under investigation and there are no additional details available at this time.