Ville Platte, Louisiana - A fatal crash involving two commercial vehicles occurred on the morning of July 30, 2025, on Interstate 49, just south of Louisiana Highway 29, according to Louisiana State Police. The incident resulted in the death of Marcus Landry, 40, of Broussard, Louisiana and is under investigation by authorities.

Preliminary reports indicate that a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia was traveling north on I-49 at a reduced speed. Trailing behind was a 2015 Freightliner M2-160, driven by Landry. For reasons still under review, Landry’s vehicle failed to yield and struck the rear of the Cascadia. Landry, who was properly restrained with a seat belt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Cascadia, who was also wearing a seat belt, was not injured.

Impairment is not suspected to have played a role for the Cascadia driver, who voluntarily provided a breath sample that indicated no presence of alcohol. Routine toxicology samples were collected from Landry as part of standard investigative procedures. The Louisiana State Police continue to gather evidence and analyze the crash circumstances.

State police encourage all drivers to maintain safe following distances and remain attentive behind the wheel, particularly when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles.