A hijacked construction crane left Louisiana motorists injured and a major interstate shut down, exposing alarming gaps in public safety and infrastructure security.
Story Snapshot
- A Louisiana man hijacked a construction crane, triggering multiple car crashes and closing Interstate 10 for hours.
- No construction crew was present, raising concerns about site security and public safety.
- Police arrested the suspect and are investigating possible accomplices.
- The event highlights risks of unsecured heavy equipment and disruption to critical transportation routes.
Unattended Heavy Equipment Sparks Interstate Chaos
On August 17, 2025, early morning motorists traveling Interstate 10 near Louisiana Highway 108 faced a crisis when Matthew Vincent, age 37, allegedly hijacked an unattended construction crane left in the median. With no construction underway and no crew present, Vincent manipulated the boom arm, causing cables to dangle over westbound lanes. Three vehicles struck the hanging cables, leading to a chain reaction of crashes, injuries, and a prolonged closure of this vital transportation artery. The incident underscores how gaps in securing heavy equipment can quickly translate into public danger.
Louisiana man hijacks construction crane, causing several car crashes and prolonged closure of Interstate: police https://t.co/uXeZ9D7sh5
— ConservativeLibrarian (@ConserLibrarian) August 18, 2025
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigation
Police arrived at the scene around 5:30 a.m. after reports of multiple collisions in the work zone. Officers found the crane positioned dangerously in the median, with cables obstructing traffic. Detectives discovered a Ram pickup truck key fob inside the crane and located the truck stuck in a nearby field, linking Vincent to the site. He was apprehended without further incident and now faces charges including unauthorized entry, property damage, and causing injury. Authorities are continuing to investigate, including the possibility of an accomplice, and have issued public statements confirming the arrest and ongoing inquiry.
Stakeholder Impact and Infrastructure Concerns
This rare hijacking of a large construction crane not only injured two motorists but also forced a major highway closure, affecting countless commuters and commercial drivers. The construction company responsible for the crane faces liability questions and reputational risk. Louisiana State Police and emergency services managed the complex aftermath, prioritizing public safety and swift investigation. The event has prompted calls for tighter security protocols at construction sites, particularly for unattended equipment in high-traffic areas, to prevent similar threats to infrastructure and public well-being.
Implications for Policy and Industry Practices
The hijacking and its fallout are likely to drive renewed scrutiny of construction and transportation sector practices. Experts warn that leaving heavy machinery unsecured in public areas invites misuse, while transportation safety analysts advocate for better barriers and surveillance in work zones. This incident may spur policy discussions at state and industry levels, with a focus on stricter access controls and real-time monitoring to safeguard critical routes and uphold public trust. For communities, the event serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and effective response systems when infrastructure security fails.
Louisiana man hijacks construction crane, causing several car crashes and prolonged closure of Interstate: police https://t.co/4MeVkBptG4 pic.twitter.com/DeIvHOMd6U
— New York Post (@nypost) August 17, 2025
Sources:
Hijacked Crane Triggers Multiple Crashes on I-10, Suspect in Custody | Louisiana State Police
