SLIDELL, LA. (THECOUNT) — Deborah Severio, 63, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was killed Friday morning in a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles along Interstate 10 near the I-10, I-12 and I-59 interchange in Slidell, according to Louisiana State Police.
The fatal crash sequence occurred around 4:40 a.m. Friday in St. Tammany Parish.
Troopers said three separate crashes unfolded near the busy interstate interchange connecting Interstate 10, Interstate 12 and Interstate 59.
According to investigators, the initial incident involved a single-vehicle crash that left a Toyota 4Runner disabled in the roadway along eastbound Interstate 10.
Authorities said Severio was operating a Toyota RAV4 eastbound on Interstate 10 when she slowed as she approached the disabled 4Runner.
Troopers said an Audi A6 traveling behind the RAV4 then struck the rear of Severio’s vehicle.
Following the collisions, officials said the drivers exited their vehicles while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive at the scene.
Investigators stated Severio was standing between her Toyota RAV4 and the Audi when a Nissan Titan subsequently struck the rear of the Audi.
The impact pushed the Audi forward into Severio and the RAV4, according to authorities.
Severio suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger traveling in the Toyota RAV4 sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Louisiana State Police and emergency crews responded to the interstate interchange during the early morning hours as investigators documented evidence and worked to clear damaged vehicles from the roadway.
The interstate interchange near Slidell is one of Louisiana’s busiest traffic junctions, connecting travelers moving between New Orleans, Mississippi, and the Gulf Coast region.
The area frequently experiences heavy overnight and early morning commercial truck and commuter traffic due to the convergence of three major interstate highways.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the drivers involved in the Audi A6 or Nissan Titan.
Investigators also have not indicated whether impairment, speed, distraction, weather, or roadway conditions contributed to the crashes.
The Louisiana State Police investigation remains ongoing.
No additional information has been released.
Google Maps: I-10, I-12 and I-59 interchange, Slidell, Louisiana
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