Emergency crews rushed to the scene of a major multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 10 East near Siegen Lane in Baton Rouge on Thursday, May 29. Officials have confirmed that five people, including two children, were transported to a local hospital following the seven-car pile-up that has caused major traffic disruptions and prompted a full closure of I-10 East in the affected area.

The crash, which occurred during the early afternoon hours, brought traffic to a standstill on one of Baton Rouge’s busiest stretches of interstate. Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) immediately issued an alert that I-10 East was closed past Siegen Lane due to the severity of the crash, and urged drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

Motorists stuck in the backup reported long delays, with some drivers saying they were stranded for more than an hour as first responders navigated through gridlocked lanes to reach the injured and begin clearing the wreckage.

Baton Rouge Fire Department, EMS, and Louisiana State Police were all dispatched to the scene. Crews worked swiftly to assess the injured and ensure that no one was trapped in the wreckage. Among the five transported to the hospital were two children, whose conditions have not yet been publicly disclosed. At this time, authorities have not released the identities of any of the injured parties.

Initial reports indicate that the injuries range from moderate to serious, but none are believed to be life-threatening as of Thursday evening. Emergency officials credit the quick response and coordinated effort for potentially saving lives.

State police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. While the exact sequence of events remains unclear, officials have not ruled out contributing factors such as heavy traffic, speeding, or driver inattention. Witnesses at the scene described the pile-up as a “chain reaction” that may have started with a sudden stop or a vehicle swerving unexpectedly.

Crash reconstruction experts were on site examining vehicle positions, skid marks, and debris patterns to piece together how the collision occurred.

The DOTD continues to urge drivers to avoid I-10 East near Siegen Lane, as traffic is being rerouted onto nearby surface streets and highways. Congestion has spread to Perkins Road, Airline Highway, and other major thoroughfares in the surrounding area as a result of the detour.

“Clearing a crash of this magnitude is a complex and time-consuming process,” said a DOTD spokesperson. “Between the number of vehicles, the need to safely remove debris, and the investigation underway, we are asking for the public’s patience and understanding.”

Traffic engineers are monitoring the situation and working to relieve pressure on surrounding roads.

Local officials and public safety advocates are urging drivers to exercise increased caution, particularly during high-volume travel hours and in construction zones. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous on the road.

“Our thoughts are with the individuals and families affected by today’s crash,” said a Baton Rouge EMS representative. “We’re thankful for the teamwork displayed by all emergency agencies involved.”

As the investigation continues, law enforcement is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to come forward and assist.