A two-vehicle collision brought traffic on Interstate 10 in Baldwin County to a standstill Friday evening, prompting state troopers to close every lane of the interstate near Loxley while emergency crews responded to the scene.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) says the crash happened around 6:05 p.m. on July 31 near mile marker 46, a stretch of I-10 east of Loxley that carries heavy weekend traffic between Mobile and the Baldwin County beaches. ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, which investigates serious crashes on Alabama’s interstates and state highways, is leading the investigation.
All Lanes Closed as Crews Responded
Troopers shut down both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-10 immediately after the crash to allow first responders room to work and to keep the scene secure while the investigation got underway. Footage from the scene showed a medical helicopter and two ambulances positioned near the wreckage, an indication of the scale of the emergency response even though officials have not confirmed how many people, if any, were hurt.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), which manages traffic flow and roadway conditions across the state’s highway system, was also monitoring the closure as crews worked to clear the interstate.
Lanes Reopen, but Questions Remain
More than an hour after the crash, authorities reopened at least one eastbound lane along with all westbound lanes, easing some of the backup that had built up on one of the region’s busiest corridors. A full accounting of the closure’s duration and its effect on evening traffic had not been released as of Friday night.
As of the initial report, ALEA had not disclosed what caused the two vehicles to collide, nor had it confirmed whether anyone was injured or transported for treatment. The agency said its Highway Patrol Division continues to investigate, and additional details are expected to be released as the inquiry proceeds.
Why It Matters for Baldwin County Drivers
Interstate 10 is the primary east-west artery linking Mobile to Baldwin County’s beach communities, including Loxley, Robertsdale, Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Crashes that shut down the interstate, even briefly, tend to ripple across secondary routes such as U.S. 90 and Highway 59 as drivers seek detours, particularly during the busy summer travel season. Friday’s incident is a reminder for area motorists to check traffic conditions before heading out during peak evening hours and to give emergency vehicles a wide berth when responding to a scene.
South Alabama News will update this story as ALEA releases further information about the cause of the crash and the condition of those involved.