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Slidell – Last night, shortly after 10:00 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 12 near Airport Road in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of an unidentified pedestrian.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and in the roadway on Interstate 12 westbound. At the same time, a 2016 International 18-wheeler was westbound on Interstate 12. For reasons still under investigation, the pedestrian was struck by the International.

The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene. Positive identification of the pedestrian is pending by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the International was properly restrained and was uninjured. As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained from the pedestrian and the driver of the International for analysis. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor and this crash remains under investigation.

Pedestrians and motorists are urged to remain vigilant while on roadways and pay close attention to their surroundings. Crashes involving pedestrians can often be avoided by following some basic safety guidelines. Pedestrians should wear light-colored or reflective clothing and should avoid walking on the roadway in dark areas. Pedestrians must assume that approaching motorists cannot see them, especially at night. Pedestrians should cross roadways in well-lit, designated areas and should always walk facing traffic. These simple steps can enhance safety for pedestrians.