Bienville Parish, Louisiana – Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G started investigating a fatal crash involving three vehicles on LA Hwy 9 at the Bienville/Natchitoches Parish line on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, just after 6:30 p.m. Sadly, the crash resulted in the deaths of Clois Williams, 82, and Mary Williams, 78, both from Saline, Louisiana.
The initial inquiry showed that a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, driven by Clois Williams, was heading south on LA Hwy 9. A big tree uprooted and fell across both lanes for unknown reasons. Consequently, the Toyota crashed into the tree, and two other vehicles also hit the tree.
Due to the crash, Clois Williams and his passenger Mary Williams, both unrestrained according to LSP, tragically lost their lives. The Bienville Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed their deaths at the scene. The other two drivers involved only sustained minor injuries and were treated on site. While there is no evidence of impairment, standard toxicology tests were conducted and results are pending. The cause of the crash is still being looked into.
Although not all crashes can be survived, studies indicate that wearing a seat belt correctly can greatly decrease the likelihood of being harmed or killed in a collision. In Louisiana, it is obligatory for all passengers in a vehicle to wear their seat belts at all times, regardless of where they are seated. Adhering to this rule is one of the most successful methods of protecting oneself and minimizing injuries during crashes.
So far in 2024, Troop G has investigated three deadly crashes, leading to four fatalities.