Assumption Parish, Louisiana – A devastating three-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 398 west of Louisiana Highway 1013 occurred on August 12, 2024, shortly before 6:00 a.m., resulting in the tragic loss of life of 39-year-old Pedro Leija Guzman of Gonzales, Louisiana.
According to the preliminary investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop C, Guzman was driving a 2014 Toyota Camry westbound on LA Hwy 398 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered left, crossed the centerline, and collided head-on with a 2013 Kenworth tractor-trailer. The Camry then re-entered the westbound lane and struck a 2016 GMC Yukon.
Guzman sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Kenworth tractor-trailer escaped without injury, while the driver of the GMC Yukon sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. All drivers involved in the crash were properly restrained at the time of the incident.
Although impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, a standard toxicology sample was collected from Guzman and submitted for analysis. The drivers of the Kenworth and GMC voluntarily provided toxicology samples, with results pending. The crash remains under investigation.
The Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while behind the wheel. It is crucial to never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted, and to always follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.