Louisiana Woman Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash on I-10 After Vehicle Collides with Guardrail
Louisiana Woman Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash on I-10 After Vehicle Collides with Guardrail
Louisiana – According to Louisiana State Police, Troopers from LSP Troop I were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 eastbound near milepost 114 (between Breaux Bridge and Henderson) in St. Martin Parish just after midnight on September 21, 2022. Karalan Hayes, 25, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was killed in the collision.
The initial investigation by State Police indicated that Hayes was riding as a passenger in a 2011 Ford Fusion at the time of the crash. Austin Lee of Lake Charles, Louisiana, the Fusion’s driver, collided with a railing on the right side of I-10. The collision damaged the passenger side door, where Hayes was seated.
Troopers determined Hayes, Lee, and a child were all restrained at the time of the crash. Hayes was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries. The male child was not hurt. Lee was only slightly injured.
Lee was cited for careless operation under LA RS 32:58, and a toxicological sample was acquired for processing; however, impairment was not suspected. Investigators suspect driver fatigue had a role in the crash. This crash is still being investigated.
Louisiana State Troopers would like to advise motorists not to drive when fatigued. If you become sleepy behind the wheel, measures such as pulling over to take a short nap or drinking a caffeinated beverage may be beneficial. Follow this link for more information on the dangers of drowsy driving and how to avoid it.
Troop I has investigated 36 fatal crashes so far in 2022, that resulted in 41 deaths.
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