Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L initiated an investigation into a fatal crash this morning just after 7:30 a.m. The crash, which occurred on Interstate 12 close to Pumpkin Center Road in Tangipahoa Parish, involved a pedestrian. The tragic incident resulted in the death of 34-year-old Javier Morel from Denham Springs, Louisiana.
The initial probe enabled the Troopers to establish that two distinct crashes happened in the same vicinity on Interstate 12 heading east. The first incident involved a 2004 Ford Escape, driven by Morel, which was moving east on Interstate 12.
Causes still being investigated made the Ford veer off the road and collide with several trees. Two minors were passengers in the Ford. Both minors and Morel were thrown from the vehicle. The minors had non-fatal injuries following the crash and were taken to a nearby hospital for additional care and evaluation.
Before emergency services got to the scene following the primary collision, Morel moved away from the initial crash scene and stepped into the right lane of Interstate 12, heading east. Simultaneously, a 2019 Kenworth T880 was also moving eastward in the right lane of the same interstate. The reasons are still under review, but the Kenworth hit Morel.
Morel incurred deadly injuries from the second collision and was declared dead at the site of the crash. The Kenworth driver, who was properly secured, did not suffer any injuries.
Standard toxicology samples from both Morel and the Kenworth driver were collected for analysis as part of the continuing investigation. The investigation into the accident is still underway.
LSP said that this week marks the observance of National Child Passenger Safety Week, with National Seat Check Saturday falling on September 23, 2023.
Many communities will host trained Child Passenger Safety Technicians during Child Passenger Safety Week to offer free guidelines on the appropriate use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. It’s widely recognized that child restraints are life-saving devices.
Louisiana State Police will have an expert team equipped to guide you on choosing the right child restraint and the correct placement of your child in it, plus ensuring that the restraint is properly fitted in your car. Those participating in a Child Safety Seat Installation Program can expect personalized coaching from either a CPST or a certified national instructor in child passenger safety.
Plan to visit one of the nine designated sites statewide where free child car seat inspections are available. There’s no need to schedule an appointment.