Louisiana State Police Continue Investigation into Evangeline Parish Fatality Crash

Saint Landry – On November 19, 2024, shortly after 10:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was called to investigate a two-vehicle fatality crash on Interstate 49 about 3 miles south of Louisiana Highway 106. The crash resulted in one fatality, with the victim’s identity pending forensic identification. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2020 Ram 1500 was traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 49. At the same time a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia 18-wheeler was traveling north. For reasons still under investigation, the Ram struck the Freightliner head-on. Following the impact, both vehicles traveled off the roadway into the median, where they caught fire. 

 The driver of the Ram sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the driver of the Freightliner sustained minor injuries. Due to the extent of the damage, seat belt usage for both drivers is still undetermined. 

 The driver of Freightliner was determined not to be impaired and voluntarily provided a breath sample that indicated no alcohol was detected. Standard toxicology samples were also collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.  

Contact Information:
Trooper First Class Peggy Bourque
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop I
Office: (337) 262-5880
[email protected]