A fiery crash between an 18-wheeler and tanker truck has left two people dead and a highway closed, authorities said.
The crash happened south of Mansfield on state Highway 175 south of Heard Road. A log truck and a commercial tanker collided, causing both to catch on fire, state police said.
Joseph Free, 45, of Pleasant Hill, was traveling south when state police said he crossed the centerline and struck the northbound truck driven by Donnie Rogers, 63, of Magnolia, Ark. Both died at the scene
Troopers arrived on the scene around 1 p.m. The highway is expected to be closed for most of the night. The State Police hazmat team was still on the scene at 8 p.m. observing the cleanup.
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office also reported that Chatman Bayou Bridge just south of Antioch Road has sustained major damage and is not safe for traffic. The sheriff's office is waiting for the state highway department to assess and repair the damage. As a result, this portion of the roadway will remain closed for several days. Affected addresses range from 16404 to 16732 Highway 175.