RUDDOCK — A Mississippi woman died Thursday, the result of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle wreck on Interstate 55 High-Rise near Ruddock. Louisiana State Police Troopers were dispatched to the crash shortly after 5 p.m.

Preliminary investigation indicates Elizabeth Manis of McComb, Miss., was driving northbound on I-55 in the right lane while John M. Lucas, a 45-year-old resident of Greensburg, was driving northbound in the left lane. For reasons under investigation, Lucas merged into the right lane, crashing into the rear of Manis’ vehicle.

The collision sent Manis’ vehicle into the right bridge rail, before coming to rest in the right northbound lane.

Manis’ vehicle caught fire, and passing motorists were able to remove her vehicle before it became engulfed in flames. Manis died shortly after her arrival at North Oaks Health Systems. Lucas sustained minor injuries, and Troopers obtained a voluntary blood sample from him.

The crash remains under investigation, and criminal charges are pending consultation with St. John Parish District Attorney’s Office.