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Driver charged with negligent homicide in connection to massive 2023 pileup on I-55

Yasmin Garaad

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, La. (WGNO) — A man has been charged with negligent homicide in connection to the massive 2023 pileup on Interstate 55 that happened in October 2023.

Louisiana State Police leaders reported on Tuesday, March 11 that 61-year-old Ronald Britt, of Lafayette, was arrested on charges of negligent homicide, negligent injuring, reckless operation and other traffic related offenses.

The crash happened around 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, on Interstate 55 near Manchac and Ruddock.

An initial investigation revealed Britt was driving a 2022 18-wheeler northbound on I-55 in the left lane.

Troopers said that Britt was driving at “unsafe speeds” during the super fog.

At the same time, a 2018 Cadillac CTS was stopped in the left lane behind several cars that were involved in minor crashes. Britt failed to stop, and his Freightliner struck the rear of the Cadillac.

The driver of the Cadillac, 60-year-old James Fleming, died as a result of the collision. His wife and front seat passenger, 70-year-old Barbara Fleming, suffered serious injuries in the crash and was treated at a local hospital.

In this aerial photo, responders are seen near wreckage in the aftermath of a multi-vehicle pileup on I-55 in Manchac, La., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. A “superfog” of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense morning fog caused multiple traffic crashes involving scores of cars. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
In this aerial photo, responders are seen near wreckage in the aftermath of a multi-vehicle pileup on I-55 in Manchac, La., Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. A “superfog” of smoke from south Louisiana marsh fires and dense morning fog caused multiple traffic crashes involving scores of cars. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
(Courtesy: George Singer)
(Courtesy: Acadian Ambulance)
(Courtesy: Acadian Ambulance)
(Courtesy: George Singer)
(Courtesy: George Singer)
(Courtesy: George Singer)
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Investigators reported that seven people died in the massive pileup and at least 168 vehicles were involved in the crash, and 63 individuals received injuries in the incident.

“It was like a war zone,” said a victim in October 2023.

This is an ongoing investigation. LSP Trooper Jacob Pucheu said Britt is only charged with one of the fatalities.

Britt was booked into the St. John Parish Correctional Center.

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