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Lacombe – Last night, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a three vehicle crash on Interstate 12 near LA Hwy 434 in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Melissa Cannata of Slidell.

 

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as a 2019 Kia Sportage, driven by Cannata, was eastbound on Interstate 12 directly behind a 2017 Honda Civic. At the same time, a 2018 International 18-wheeler was also eastbound on Interstate 12 directly behind the Kia. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia impacted the rear of the Honda. After initial impact, the speed of the Kia significantly reduced. The International then struck the rear of the Kia. After the International impacted the Kia, the Kia traveled off of the roadway to the right and impacted a tree.

 

Cannata was not properly restrained and sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. Cannata was transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The drivers of the Honda and the International were properly restrained and both were uninjured. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from all drivers involved for analysis.

 

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.