by Malcolm Butler
An 18-wheeler traveling westbound on I-20 this morning lost part of its load causing flat tires and other damage to more than a dozen vehicles.
According to newly appointed Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson, at 5:54 a.m. on Friday the truck lost part of “an unsecure load” consisting of metal beams.
Vehicles traveling behind the 18-wheeler westbound ran over the lost payload causing various levels of damage, including flat tires, bent rims, and some undercarriage damage.
Multiple Ruston Police Department units responded and many of the impacted vehicles had to be towed from the scene. No injuries were reported.
“The 18 wheeler lost some debris and multiple cars hit it, causing blow outs,” said Watson, who said at least 15 vehicles had been impacted by the incident.
According to Watson, the driver of the 18-wheeler continued down the road before stopping to secure the load. He then continued on.
As of the time of this story, authorities had not been able to locate the 18-wheeler.
“We got a description of (the truck), but the person giving us the description couldn’t give us a license plate number,” said Watson. “He continue westbound. Our officers called ahead trying to get him identified and stopped, but as of right now, it hasn’t happened.”
Watson said originally reports were conflicting to what the 18-wheeler had actually lost, but ultimately it was steel pipe.
