Published: 04-08-2026 | Category: Troop A
TROOP A NEWS RELEASE
April 8, 2026
Driver Killed After Vehicle Struck by Train in West Baton Rouge Parish
Addis – Shortly before 6:30 a.m. on April 8, 2026, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a fatal crash involving a passenger vehicle and a train on LA 1 south of Sid Richardson Road in West Baton Rouge Parish. The crash claimed the life of 72-year-old Ianthia Washington of White Castle.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Washington was driving a 2017 Toyota Camry north on LA 1 and approached a railroad crossing near Sid Richardson Road. At the same time, a Union Pacific train was traveling east toward the crossing with all traffic control devices activated. For reasons still under investigation, Washington attempted to cross the tracks and was struck on the driver’s side by the train.
Washington was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The train’s operator was uninjured. Impairment is not suspected; however, routine toxicology samples will be obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers wish to remind motorists to always obey railroad crossing signals and never attempt to cross tracks when warning devices are activated or a train is approaching. Trains cannot stop quickly, and disregarding signals can have deadly consequences.
Contact Information:
Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Phone: (225) 921-1384
[email protected]