69-year-old Raceland man critically injured in crash

A 69-year-old Raceland man was critically injured Monday when a southbound dump truck crossed the centerline of La. Highway 308 in Lockport and struck his 18-wheeler head-on, state police said.

Todd McNeil, 41, of New Orleans, failed to notice that traffic in front of him had stopped, authorities said. To avoid a rear-end crash, he crossed into the path of the 1993 International 18-wheeler, which was being driven by James Johnson.

State police said Johnson attempted to avoid striking the dump truck, but the two collided. The two trucks came to rest off of the northbound lane of the highway, authorities said.

McNeil was wearing a seat belt. His minor injuries were treated at Ochsner St. Anne. State police said Johnson was critically injured in the crash. He was rushed to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center for treatment. Authorities were unsure if he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Although drug or alcohol use is suspected as a cause for the crash, blood samples were taken from both drivers for analysis at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

The investigation is ongoing.