Trucker Who Died in Crash on I-20 in Bienville Parish Identified

BIENVILLE PARISH, LA – Police have identified the trucker who died when his tanker-truck hauling diesel struck a concrete bridge railing and caught fire.

The truck driver has been identified as 42-year-old Antonio Thornton. He died in the Dec. 29 crash that involved a truck drifting off the roadway, striking a concrete bridge railing, overturning, and catching fire.

Thornton was driving a Peterbilt 2012 tractor-trailer hauling diesel fuel. The crash happened at around 4 a.m. at mile marker 56 on westbound I-20 in Bienville Parish.

Trucker Who Died in Crash on I-20 in Bienville Parish Identified
The Scene of the Crash. Source: Cody Jennings

Investigators obtained a toxicology sample and submitted it for analysis.

The crash closed both east and westbound lanes on I-20. The eastbound lanes have been since opened. However, westbound I-20 remains closed. A detour route was established, as follows:

Westbound traffic will exit I-20 at milepost 61 and turn onto LA 154. From LA 154, traffic will turn right onto US Hwy 80 and continue westbound. Traffic can reenter I-20 at milepost 55. 

Eastbound traffic will exit I-20 at milepost 55 and turn onto US 80 eastbound. Traffic will continue eastbound and turn left onto LA 154. Traffic can reenter I-20 at milepost 61.

“The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that I-20 westbound near the LA 154 interchange at Gibsland (Exit 61) in Bienville Parish remains closed following a crash involving an 18-wheeler that occurred early on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Crews are still on scene working to clear the area in order to reopen the interstate. DOTD will issue a notification when I-20 westbound has been reopened.”

After the closing of the lanes, one trooper who responded to the crash had to bail out from his car and jump behind a concrete wall after another semi-truck crashed into his car.

“While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving.” was in the official statement by Trooper First Class Brent Hardy.

Traffic Advisory (Bienville Parish)Update midnight – I-20 westbound is open. Update 1:15 p.m. – I-20 westbound…

Posted by Louisiana State Police on Tuesday, December 29, 2020