NATCHITOCHES - A Nolan's Wrecker Service operator was killed and another man was injured in a fiery crash about 1:30 a.m. Friday involving two 18-wheelers
and a large wrecker, state police Troop E Senior Trooper Scott Moreau said.
About 50 head of cattle also died in the accident that forced the closure of the northbound lanes of Interstate 49 near Natchitoches from 1:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. to allow workers to clean up the scene and round up loose cattle.
Killed was Donnie L. Roshong, 47, of Leesville. Jason A. Vanzile, 26, of Bell, Fla., was taken to Natchitoches Parish Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
Roshong was attempting to connect his 1999 Peterbilt tow truck to a 2007 Mack rig that was disabled on the side of the interstate when the accident happened near Posey Road near Natchitoches.
Vanzile lost control of his 2006 Peterbilt 18-wheeler, which was hauling about 150 cows, as it approached the other two trucks from the rear.
Vanzile's rig struck the rear of the disabled tractor-trailer, forcing it into the heavy-duty wrecker and pinning Roshong between the tow truck and a guardrail.
All three vehicles erupted into flames.
And Vanzile's tractor-trailer came to rest in the left-hand lane with the tractor upright but the trailer full of cattle on its side.
The driver of the Mack was not in his vehicle and was not injured.
His name was not available immediately.
Routine toxicology tests are pending. No charges had been filed.
(article link http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090509/NEWS03/905090313/Fiery+tho-Ŝvehicle+crash+kills+wrecker+operator )
About 50 head of cattle also died in the accident that forced the closure of the northbound lanes of Interstate 49 near Natchitoches from 1:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. to allow workers to clean up the scene and round up loose cattle.
Killed was Donnie L. Roshong, 47, of Leesville. Jason A. Vanzile, 26, of Bell, Fla., was taken to Natchitoches Parish Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
Roshong was attempting to connect his 1999 Peterbilt tow truck to a 2007 Mack rig that was disabled on the side of the interstate when the accident happened near Posey Road near Natchitoches.
Vanzile lost control of his 2006 Peterbilt 18-wheeler, which was hauling about 150 cows, as it approached the other two trucks from the rear.
Vanzile's rig struck the rear of the disabled tractor-trailer, forcing it into the heavy-duty wrecker and pinning Roshong between the tow truck and a guardrail.
All three vehicles erupted into flames.
And Vanzile's tractor-trailer came to rest in the left-hand lane with the tractor upright but the trailer full of cattle on its side.
The driver of the Mack was not in his vehicle and was not injured.
His name was not available immediately.
Routine toxicology tests are pending. No charges had been filed.
(article link http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090509/NEWS03/905090313/Fiery+tho-Ŝvehicle+crash+kills+wrecker+operator )
