Unrestrained Louisiana Woman Killed in 3-Vehicle Crash on I-12 After Colliding with a Car and Crashing into a Tree

Louisiana – An unrestrained 56-year-old Louisiana woman was killed in a three-vehicle crash on January 6, 2023, on Interstate 12 after the vehicle she was driving collided with the rear of a car, was then hit by an 18-wheeler, and collided with a tree.

Louisiana State Police stated on January 7, 2023, that on January 6, just before 8:00 p.m., Troopers from LSP Troop L began investigating a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 12 near LA Hwy 434 in St. Tammany Parish. Melissa Cannata, 56, of Slidell, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

The first investigation found that the incident occurred as Cannata was driving a 2019 Kia Sportage eastbound on Interstate 12 directly behind a 2017 Honda Civic. A 2018 International 18-wheeler was also heading east on Interstate 12 just behind the Kia. The Kia collided with the rear of the Honda for unknown reasons. The speed of the Kia was greatly lowered after the initial hit. The International then collided with the rear of the Kia. After the International collided with the Kia, the Kia veered to the right and collided with a tree.

Cannata was not properly restrained and as a result of the incident suffered catastrophic injuries. Cannata was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died from her injuries. Both the Honda and the International drivers were properly restrained, and not injured. The crash is not thought to have been caused by impairment. Routine toxicological samples were acquired for processing from all drivers engaged as part of the continuing investigation.

Troopers want to urge drivers to always make wise decisions when driving. Never drive while inebriated, fatigued, or distracted, and always obey all traffic rules. While not all car accidents are avoidable, simple precautions like these can frequently mean the difference between life and death.