Oberlin – On April 29, 2022, shortly before 9:00 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 26 just north of LA Hwy 104 in Allen Parish. The crash claimed the life of an unidentified driver.

The investigation revealed the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office had received multiple calls about a Lexus traveling north on LA 26 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was later identified as a 2013 Lexus GS sedan. At the same time, the driver of an oversize crane truck was turning into a private drive as the Lexus continued traveling north on LA 26. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Lexus failed to reduce their speed and struck the left side of the crane truck. The Lexus became engulfed in flames as a result of the crash.

The unidentified driver of the Lexus sustained fatal injuries. Speed is considered to be a factor and seat belt use is unknown due to the extent of damage to the Lexus. The driver of the crane truck was not injured. Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway. Speeding also extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle and can lead to a more serious collision in cases where the vehicle strikes another object.

Troop D has investigated 5 fatal crashes resulting in 6 deaths in 2022.