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Covington – Sunday morning, shortly after 4:30 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a two vehicle crash on Interstate 12 near LA Hwy 21 in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of an unidentified driver.

 The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as a 2005 Nissan Altima was eastbound on Interstate 12. At the same time, a 2019 International LT625 was also eastbound on Interstate 12. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan became disabled in the left lane of travel with no lights on. The International struck the rear of the Nissan. After impact, the Nissan became fully engulfed in flames.

The driver of the Nissan was not restrained at the time of the crash. The driver of the Nissan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the International was properly restrained and was uninjured. The driver of the International was not suspected of impairment and voluntarily submitted to a chemical breath test, which showed no alcohol detected. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample will be obtained from the driver of the Nissan for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued or distracted, follow all traffic laws and always ensure every occupant is properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.