Laplace, Louisiana - A two-vehicle crash on I-10 near the Bonnet Carré Spillway bridge in St. John the Baptist Parish claimed the life of 22-year-old Curtis Collins of Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Friday, December 6, 2024. The incident occurred around 9:00 pm, prompting an investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop B.
According to preliminary findings, a 2012 Mazda 6 was stopped in the left lane on I-10 East, with its lights on, for unknown reasons. A 2017 Nissan Sentra, traveling east on I-10, struck the rear of the Mazda, causing the vehicle to strike its driver, who was standing outside by the front bumper. The impact propelled the driver over the guardrail into the marsh below.
Collins, the front passenger in the Mazda, was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene. The Mazda's driver was rescued from the marsh by the St. John the Baptist Parish Fire Department, sustained minor injuries, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Nissan's driver, who was properly restrained, also suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with routine toxicology samples obtained from both drivers for analysis.
Louisiana State Police is encouraging motorists to move disabled vehicles off the roadway whenever possible and to avoid exiting their vehicles. Drivers are also reminded to buckle up while inside their vehicles and to stay alert when approaching disabled vehicles or pedestrians. The "Move Over Law" requires drivers to move over a lane or slow to a safe speed when passing others.