Louisiana DOTD Worker Killed, Two Injured in Three Vehicle Crash on US 171

DeSoto Parish, Louisiana – A three-vehicle fatality crash on US Highway 171 near WPA Road in Louisiana resulted in one death and two injuries.

Louisiana State Police reported on January 26, 2023, that on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, just before 3:30 p.m., Troopers assigned to LSP Troop G began investigating a three-vehicle fatality crash on US Highway 171 near WPA Road. Christopher Gray, 35, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

The initial investigation revealed that Charles Barker, 42, of Florien, Louisiana was driving a 2021 empty International log truck south on US Highway 171. At the same time, two Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) vehicles were parked in the right lane of US Highway 171 while work crews improved the road surface. Barker's vehicle collided with the first LADOTD vehicle, a 2018 Dodge Ram truck, causing it to leave the road. Following the initial impact, the International collided with the second LADOTD vehicle, a 2015 Ford dump truck. Gray was also struck while standing behind the Ford. Another LADOTD employee was standing in the Ford's bed and was ejected from the vehicle.

Gray died as a result of his injuries, and the DeSoto Parish Coroner's Office pronounced him dead at the scene. Barker and two other LADOTD employees were taken to local hospitals with moderate injuries.
Although impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash, routine toxicology samples were collected and sent for analysis. The crash is still being investigated.

Troopers would like to remind all motorists to make good decisions while driving, such as wearing a seat belt, obeying all posted speed limits, and avoiding all distractions. Motorists give themselves much-needed time to react to changing road conditions by remaining attentive to the roadway.

Troop G has investigated two fatal crashes so far in 2023, resulting in two deaths.