Yesterday the St. John ‘s Coroner’s Office released the names of 7 of the 8 fatalities in the I-55 wreck near Manchac.
They were Nakia Gaines – 48 years old, from New Orleans, Mason Gaines (son) – 6 years old, from Madisonville, Fernando Francisco DeMoraes – 50 years old, from Chalmette, Jose Elias Valle – 38 years old, also from Chalmette, Corinne Hebert – 21 years old, from Plaquemine, James Fleming – 87 years old, originally from Missouri, and Quatab Singh Negi – 47 years old, who lived in Hammond.
Meanwhile the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that I-55 southbound was anticipated to reopen Thursday. The interstate will be reduced to one lane near the crash site for the time being. DOTD inspectors and consultants have completed the inspection of I-55 southbound after Monday’s accident and have determined that the roadway is safe for travel. Travelers should note that I-55 northbound remains closed at this time. Inspections on the northbound side are still ongoing and there is no timeline for when it will reopen.
