St. Landry Parish – Shortly after 10:15 a.m. on September 16, 2022, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 49 near mile post 30 in St. Landry Parish. The crash took the life of 60-year-old Harvey Broussard of New Iberia.

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Broussard was driving a 2022 Kenworth 18-wheeler north on I-49. For reasons still under investigation, the 18-wheeler tractor-trailer ran off the roadway to the right and down an embankment. Upon doing so, the 18-wheeler overturned several times causing Broussard to be ejected from the vehicle.

Troopers determined Broussard was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office. A toxicology sample was obtained for analysis and this crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that, while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop I has investigated 35 fatal crashes resulting in 40 deaths in 2022.