WAVERLY, LA — In the early hours of Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, a tragic incident on Interstate 20 near Waverly, Louisiana, resulted in the loss of life for a 26-year-old man from Meridian, Mississippi. Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to the two-vehicle crash shortly before 5:00 a.m., locating the scene just west of Louisiana Highway 557. The collision involved two commercial vehicles: a 2024 International truck and a 2017 Freightliner parked on the shoulder of the interstate.
According to initial reports from Louisiana State Police investigators, the man was operating the 2024 International commercial truck, traveling westbound along Interstate 20. For reasons that remain under investigation, the truck veered to the right, leaving its lane of travel. It then struck the rear end of the stationary 2017 Freightliner. Authorities confirmed that the Freightliner was legally parked on the shoulder of the road at the time of the incident. After the initial impact, the International truck continued moving off the roadway and ultimately collided with a tree, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle.
The driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Louisiana State Police officials noted that the man was properly restrained, indicating that he was wearing a seatbelt in accordance with state traffic laws. Despite this precaution, the severity of the impact led to fatal injuries. Officials emphasized that impairment is not currently suspected as a factor in the crash. However, as is standard procedure in such investigations, routine toxicology samples were collected from the driver for further analysis. The results of those tests are pending and will contribute to the ongoing investigation.
The incident has left the local community and authorities reflecting on the inherent dangers present on highways such as Interstate 20. Commercial trucking routes often see heavy traffic, particularly in the early morning hours when drivers are completing long-haul trips. While it remains unclear exactly what caused the truck to leave its lane and strike the parked Freightliner, authorities are considering several possibilities. These include driver fatigue, distraction, or a possible mechanical issue. Louisiana State Police continue to investigate all potential contributing factors in order to provide a complete and accurate account of what occurred.
Responders at the scene included Louisiana State Police Troop F, local emergency medical services, and highway maintenance crews. The scene required several hours of cleanup and investigation, leading to temporary lane closures on the westbound side of Interstate 20 near Louisiana Highway 557. Drivers traveling through the area were advised to exercise patience as crews worked to clear debris and safely reopen the roadway.
Louisiana State Police released a public statement urging all motorists, especially commercial truck drivers, to remain alert and cautious when operating vehicles on the highway. Officials highlighted the importance of avoiding distractions such as mobile devices and ensuring drivers get adequate rest before long trips. Fatigue, in particular, remains a serious concern among commercial drivers, as even a brief moment of inattention can lead to devastating outcomes.
Troopers stressed that drowsy driving can impair reaction time and decision-making abilities in ways similar to alcohol impairment. Authorities recommend that drivers pull over at designated rest areas if they feel tired or notice signs of fatigue. Regular breaks and rest periods are encouraged to ensure the safety of all roadway users.
In addition to addressing driver behavior, Louisiana State Police noted that commercial trucking companies play a role in maintaining safe driving conditions. Companies are encouraged to monitor the scheduling and rest periods of their drivers to prevent excessive fatigue. Vehicle maintenance is another critical factor, as mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or steering issues could also lead to loss of vehicle control.
While Louisiana State Police continue their investigation, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of highway travel. Motorists passing through Waverly, Louisiana, and surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant and exercise defensive driving practices. The loss of life on Interstate 20 underlines the consequences that can arise from a single moment of distraction or unforeseen mechanical trouble.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) also released a statement following the incident, extending condolences to the family of the deceased. DOTD officials echoed the State Police’s call for driver awareness and emphasized the importance of using highway shoulders only in emergencies. Parked vehicles, especially large commercial trucks, can create hazards even when properly positioned on the shoulder, underscoring the need for caution when driving near stopped vehicles.
Community members from both Waverly and Meridian expressed sympathy for the family of the driver. Though his name has been publicly released, out of respect for privacy, further personal details have not been disclosed. Local trucking industry professionals reflected on the demands of long-haul driving, recognizing the pressures drivers face in meeting delivery deadlines while also ensuring their own safety and that of others on the road.
The trucking industry is a vital part of Louisiana’s economy, with Interstate 20 serving as a major corridor for freight movement across the state and the southern United States. Incidents such as Thursday morning’s crash highlight both the importance of the industry and the serious responsibility it entails. Ensuring that drivers are well-rested, attentive, and equipped with properly maintained vehicles is a shared responsibility among drivers, employers, and state regulatory agencies.
Louisiana State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and will release additional details as they become available. Investigators are likely to examine dash camera footage, vehicle telematics data, and witness statements to piece together a complete picture of the incident. Such investigations often take several weeks to conclude as authorities work to ensure that all contributing factors are thoroughly considered.
In the meantime, State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicles prior to the incident to contact Louisiana State Police Troop F with any relevant information. Public cooperation can often play a key role in helping authorities understand the full context of highway incidents.
Thursday’s incident is part of a broader pattern of roadway safety concerns in Louisiana and across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), crashes involving large commercial trucks remain a significant cause of fatalities on American roads. Safety experts continue to advocate for technologies such as lane departure warning systems, automatic emergency braking, and electronic logging devices to help reduce risks associated with commercial trucking.
As the community in Waverly comes to terms with this latest highway tragedy, Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development remain committed to improving roadway safety. Public service announcements, safety campaigns, and infrastructure improvements are part of an ongoing effort to make Louisiana’s roads safer for all drivers.
Officials remind all motorists traveling through Waverly and beyond to stay alert, avoid distractions, and take appropriate rest breaks. Whether driving a commercial vehicle or a passenger car, maintaining focus behind the wheel is essential. Incidents like the one on Interstate 20 serve as a solemn reminder of how quickly a routine journey can turn into a life-altering event.
