Unidentified pedestrian killed in St. John Parish crash

Published 1:20 pm Sunday, October 15, 2023

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE — An unidentified man lost his life while attempting to cross Highway 51 in LaPlace on Oct. 13.

According to State Police reports, the man was struck to the ground by a truck, followed by a secondary collision when a second vehicle hit him while he lay on the road.

The accident took place around 7:30 p.m., near the junction of Highway 51 and Woodland Drive, said State Police.

The man was in the process of crossing the road when he was hit by the side mirror of a northbound 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, causing him to fall to the ground.

Shortly after his fall, another northbound vehicle, a 2018 Nissan Versa, collided with the man as he lay on the road, resulting in fatal injuries.

According to State Police, the area had limited lighting and lacked designated crosswalks, and the pedestrian was wearing dark-colored clothing.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a hospital on Friday night. The drivers of the Chevrolet and the Nissan were not injured in the crash.

Initial investigations do not suggest impairment on the drivers’ part, however, both provided a voluntary blood sample for analysis. Impairment on the part of the victim remains under investigation.

State Police emphasize the critical need for both pedestrians and drivers to remain constantly aware of their surroundings. Pedestrians are advised to wear light-colored or reflective clothing and to avoid walking along roadways in areas with limited lighting.