Early Morning Crash Claims the Life of Two Texas Residents

TROOP D NEWS RELEASE

September 7, 2023

Lake Charles – On September 7, 2023, shortly before 7:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of LA Hwy 384 (Big Lake Road) and W. Tank Farm Road in Calcasieu Parish. The crash claimed the life of 19-year-old Jose Samaniego and 28-year-old Cesar Samaniego, both of Port Arthur, Texas.

The initial investigation revealed a 2015 Kenworth 18-wheeler, driven by 47-year-old Albert Joseph Espree of Beaumont Texas, was traveling east on W. Tank Farm Road and approaching the intersection of LA 384. At the same time, the driver of a 2021 Honda Civic was traveling south of LA 384 and approaching the intersection of W. Tank Farm Road. Espree failed to yield at the stop sign and traveled into the path of the Honda. The impact caused both vehicles to travel off the roadway.

Jose Samaniego, the front seat passenger, was properly restrained and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Cesar Samaniego, the rear seat passenger, was not restrained and sustained serious injuries. He was transported to a Lake Charles hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Honda and the driver of the 18-wheeler, were both properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries.

Toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

According to the National traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 8,000 people are killed annually in the United States in T-bone / side-impact crashes and are more deadly than head-on or rear-end crashes. Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorist to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and look to see if it is clear before proceeding. Taking a few seconds can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop D has investigated 22 fatal crashes resulting in 25 deaths in 2023.

Contact Information:

TFC Derek Senegal

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (337) 491-2513

derek.senegal@la.gov