Fatal Head-On Collision on I-49 Claims One Life, Another Critically Injured Friday Night
A tragic scene unfolded late Friday night on Interstate 49 near Highway 170 in Caddo Parish, where a devastating two-vehicle crash claimed the life of one driver and left another severely injured. Authorities have identified the man who passed as 47-year-old Anthony Barone, whose vehicle was struck head-on in what officials describe as one of the more violent collisions seen along that stretch of highway this year.
According to preliminary reports from the Louisiana State Police, the crash occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m. when a northbound vehicle crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes of I-49. The oncoming car, driven by Barone, had little to no time to react before the two vehicles collided at high speed. The force of the impact caused both cars to spin violently, scattering debris across multiple lanes and bringing traffic to a halt for several hours.
Emergency responders from Caddo Parish Fire District No. 7 and Caddo Sheriff’s Office quickly arrived at the scene. Despite their rapid response, Barone was pronounced deceased at the site due to the severity of his injuries. The other driver, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, was airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport in critical condition.
Investigators are still working to determine why the northbound vehicle crossed into opposing traffic. While impairment has not been confirmed, troopers noted that toxicology samples have been taken from both drivers as part of the ongoing investigation—a standard procedure in all fatal crashes. Weather conditions at the time were reported to be clear, and no major obstructions were present on the roadway.
For those who witnessed the incident, the sight was described as both sudden and horrifying. “It happened so fast,” said one motorist who stopped to help. “We saw headlights coming from the wrong direction, and then everything was smoke and metal. It was heartbreaking.”
Friends and family of Anthony Barone have begun sharing tributes online, describing him as a kind-hearted man devoted to his loved ones and always ready to lend a hand. “Anthony was the type of person who would stop to help a stranger,” one friend wrote on social media. “It doesn’t feel real that he’s gone.”
The crash shut down a section of I-49 southbound for more than three hours as investigators documented the scene and crews cleared debris. Louisiana State Police are urging drivers to remain alert and to report any erratic driving behavior, emphasizing that even brief distractions or lapses in attention can lead to irreversible consequences on high-speed interstates.
As the community mourns the loss of Anthony Barone, authorities continue to piece together what led to the deadly collision. For now, loved ones are left grappling with the suddenness of his passing—a reminder of how quickly life can change in a single moment on the road.
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