Driver Killed in Louisiana Crash on I-12 After a Tractor Truck Struck a Disabled Vehicle

Covington – Louisiana State Police are investigating a two-vehicle collision on I-12 that left one driver dead and the other unharmed after a 2005 Nissan Altima was struck by a 2019 International LT625 tractor-truck.

On December 18, 2022, Louisiana State Police stated that soon after 4:30 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 12 near LA Hwy 21 in St. Tammany Parish. An unidentified driver died as a result of the collision.

The preliminary investigation found that the collision happened while a 2005 Nissan Altima was traveling east on Interstate 12. Simultaneously, a 2019 International LT625 (tandem axle tractor truck) was traveling east on Interstate 12 at the same time. The Nissan became disabled with no lights on in the left travel lane for reasons that are still under investigation. The rear of the Nissan was struck by the International. The Nissan was completely consumed by flames after the collision.

At the moment of the collision, the Nissan's driver was not restrained. The driver of the Nissan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the International was appropriately restrained and had no injuries. The driver of the International was not believed to have been impaired and voluntarily consented to a chemical breath test, which revealed no alcohol. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample will be obtained from the driver of the Nissan. The inquiry into this crash continues.

Troopers would like to encourage drivers to always make prudent judgments while operating a motor vehicle. Never operate a vehicle when inebriated, fatigued, or distracted, and always ensure that all occupants are properly secured. Despite the fact that not all crashes are survivable, simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.