Louisiana Man Killed in Late Night Crash on LA 1146 After Colliding with a Tree

Louisiana - Louisiana State Police stated on October 22, 2022, that on October 20, 2022, at about 11:00 p.m., LSP Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 1146 east of U.S. 171. Clemente Bellah, 39, of Leesville, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

The initial inquiry found that Bellah was driving an eastbound Toyota Rav4 on Louisiana Highway 1146. The Toyota exited the roadway, went down the ditch embankment, and collided with a tree before coming to rest for unknown reasons. The Toyota caught fire after colliding with a tree.

Bellah, whose seat belt usage is unknown, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology samples were collected and submitted for testing.
While the reason for this crash is still being investigated, distracted and inattentive driving remains a significant cause of accidents in our state. Louisiana State Police advises all motorists to drive cautiously. A failure in judgment can have fatal repercussions.

Troopers with LSP Troop E have investigated 43 fatal crashes so far in 2022, resulting in 45 fatalities.