Published: 09-28-2026 | Category: Fatal Crash
Ponchatoula – On September 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on the on-ramp to Interstate 55 northbound from US Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the lives of three male occupants: the 21-year-old driver from Hammond, the 20-year-old front-seat passenger from Slidell, and the 19-year-old rear-middle-seat passenger from New Orleans.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 Honda Accord was traveling north on US Highway 51 at a high rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda traveled off the roadway to the left and struck a concrete support column of the elevated portion of Interstate 55.
The driver, who was properly restrained, died at the scene. The front-seat passenger, who was unrestrained, died at the scene. The rear passenger, who was properly restrained, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers want to remind the public that although not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seat belt drastically decreases your chance of injury or death during a crash. It is crucial to remember that speeding decreases reaction time, increases stopping distance, heightens the risk of losing control of your vehicle, and reduces the effectiveness of safety devices in the event of a crash. Taking simple precautions, such as wearing a seatbelt, following all traffic laws, and adhering to speed limits, increases safety on the road.
Contact Information:
Trooper Marc Gremillion
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop L
Phone: (985) 893-6250
[email protected]