Dump Truck Crashes Through I-10 Barrier in New Orleans

A dump truck plunged from the Interstate 10 eastbound bridge onto Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans on Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026, injuring the driver and a passenger. The truck struck a parked car at the intersection of Claiborne and St. Bernard avenues after the driver swerved to avoid a collision on the overpass, according to New Orleans police.

New Orleans Police Capt. Kendrick Allen said officers received a call about the crash at 2:30 p.m. and found the truck lying on its side. Construction materials and fuel spilled onto the street, while the parked car sustained damage. No one was inside the car when the truck landed on it.

Emergency responders transported the truck's driver and passenger to a hospital. Both were in stable condition as of Thursday afternoon, according to police.

Allen said the truck driver took evasive action to avoid another vehicle on the bridge before going over the edge.

"The driver of the truck swerved to avoid an accident on the overpass," said New Orleans Police Capt. Kendrick Allen.

The crash also prompted safety measures on the interstate and disrupted traffic near the Claiborne Avenue exit. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development began installing temporary water-filled barriers along the damaged section of the bridge barrier until permanent repairs can be completed.

As of Thursday night, the two right lanes of eastbound I-10 remained closed near the Claiborne Avenue exit. Investigators urged motorists to avoid the area, while drivers heading toward Slidell or New Orleans East were advised to use I-10 to West End and then take Interstate 610 as an alternate route.

Sonja Lady Dedais witnessed the crash while traveling across the bridge in a car with a friend. She provided photographs of the incident to WDSU and described the moment the truck broke through the railing.

"This crash was horrific," Dedais said. "Somehow [my friend] hit the brake. As we look, the truck was going through the railing and over, and everyone came to a stop and it hit the bottom."

Dedais said the experience continued to affect her after the incident.

"I just keep seeing flashbacks," Dedais said.

Allen emphasized the potential danger of the crash at the busy intersection, where the falling truck could have struck pedestrians or other vehicles.

"This is a really busy intersection. A few minutes later, we may be talking a little bit different, but thank the lord no one was there," Allen said.

Allen said the truck driver was unlikely to receive any citations. Police had not reported any fatalities as of Thursday.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno also addressed the incident while in France, where she planned to watch the New Orleans Saints play the Pittsburgh Steelers. She thanked emergency personnel and cleanup crews for their response.

"This was an incredibly serious accident and I’m incredibly grateful that no lives were lost," Mayor Helena Moreno wrote. "I want to thank our first responders, medical professionals and all the crews working on the cleanup effort for their swift response and hard work to keep everyone safe."