Louisiana Authorities Cite Excessive Speed as Cause of Fatal Fiery Crash on US 165 at I-10

Louisiana – The Louisiana State Police stated on October 3, 2022, that on October 2, 2022, at approximately 10:47 p.m., LSP Troop D was notified of a single-vehicle crash on US Hwy 165 at the I-10 overpass in Jefferson Davis Parish. Charles Reeves, 60, of Oakdale, Louisiana, died in the crash.

According to the preliminary inquiry, Reeves was driving south on US 165 at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle as he attempted to enter the I-10 west on-ramp. The pickup vehicle went off the road and hit multiple traffic signs before colliding with a guardrail. After colliding with the railing, the pickup truck went airborne and collided with a concrete bridge support column, and became engulfed in flames.

Reeves died as a result of his injuries in the incident and was pronounced dead at the scene. Due to the level of the vehicle’s destruction, Reeves’ use of a seat belt is uncertain. The crash is still being investigated.

Speeding impairs a driver’s ability to safely navigate around curves or obstructions in the road. Speeding also increases the distance required to stop a vehicle and can result in a more dangerous collision if the vehicle collides with another object. Troopers remind motorists to obey the speed limit and travel at a safe speed for the road and weather conditions.

In 2022, Troop D investigated 20 fatal crashes that resulted in 22 deaths.