Louisiana Driver Killed in Crash Involving an 18-Wheeler on LA 12 After Being Struck by Utility Pole

Allen Parish, Louisiana - A Louisiana Driver was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Allen Parish, Louisiana, on December 16, 2022, after a 1991 Peterbilt truck failed to stop in time and struck a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe that had stopped to make a left turn. Powell was properly secured in the vehicle, but was fatally injured in the crash and declared deceased at the scene.

The Louisiana State Police reported on December 16, 2022, that shortly before 2:00 p.m., Troop D responded to a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of LA Hwy 112 and LA Hwy 377 in Allen Parish. Katlin Wayne Powell, age 31 and from DeRidder, Louisiana, was killed in the accident.

The preliminary inquiry found that Powell was driving a 1991 Peterbilt westbound on LA 112. Concurrently, the driver of a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe was in front of the Peterbilt while going west on LA 112. As the Chevrolet's driver halted and prepared to make a left turn onto LA 377, it is suspected that Powell failed to detect the stopped vehicle and attempted to brake aggressively to avoid colliding with it. As Powell used the brakes, the utility poles on the trailer slid forward, pierced the Peterbilt's cab, and struck Powell. One of the utility poles that became disconnected from the trailer caused minor damage to the Chevrolet.

Powell was properly secured but was fatally injured in the crash. The driver of the Peterbilt was declared deceased at the scene. The Chevrolet driver complained of injuries. Both drivers' toxicology samples were collected and submitted for processing. This incident is still under investigation.

State Troopers in Louisiana would want to urge motorists to always make sound judgments while operating a motor vehicle. Never operate a vehicle while impaired, exhausted, or distracted. Always be sure that every passenger is properly restrained and observe all traffic regulations. Taking such basic precautions can frequently be the difference between life and death.

So far in 2022, Troop D has investigated 29 fatal collisions resulting in 31 deaths.