ST. HELENA PARISH - One person is dead after an 18-wheeler carrying heavy equipment crashed Monday afternoon, trapping two people in the wreckage.

The accident occurred on LA-10 near Wicker Lane, where a 1996 Chevrolet pickup truck drove into the path of a 2002 Mack Truck and Trailer. The 18-wheeler crashed into the driver's side of the pickup truck. According to witnesses, the semi appeared to have a bulldozer and grader loaded onto it.

Levette Richelle Thomas, 53, of Greensburg was driving the pickup truck at the time. She was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead on arrival. Her passenger, 53-year-old Marie Jackson was airlifted to North Oaks hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Louisiana State Police is investigating the crash. Impairment is not suspected to have been a factor.