MANSFIELD, La. -- Dense fog early Wednesday morning in south DeSoto Parish was a factor in a multi-vehicle crash that claimed a man's life, Louisiana State Police said Thursday in a news release.
The victim is identified as Lawrence Irchirl, 50, of Natchitoches.
The crash was reported around 4:30 a.m. on Interstate 49 near state Highway 177.
The preliminary investigation indicated the drivers of a pickup truck and tractor-trailer crashed in the northbound lanes in dense fog conditions, resulting in the big rig turning over on the interstate. That led to a series of additional crashes.
Moments later, Irchirl, who was driving a 2002 Ford F-350, hit the rear of an 18-wheeler that had stopped in the roadway. Irchirl was wearing a seatbelt but sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Several other drivers sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
This crash remains under investigation