Slaughter, United States—State troopers launched an investigation Tuesday morning following a fatal two-vehicle collision on LA 67 that left one local motorist dead at the scene. The crash shut down all northbound and southbound lanes of Plank Road near the East Baton Rouge Parish line during peak commuter hours.
Investigators determined that a Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound crossed over the painted centerline into opposing traffic lanes. The pickup truck struck the rear axle of a southbound commercial dump truck hauling a heavy sand trailer. The impact tore the front end off the pickup, sending both vehicles spinning onto the grassy shoulder.
Emergency medical technicians arrived to find the driver of the pickup trapped inside the crushed cab without a pulse. The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office pronounced the motorist dead on arrival. The driver of the dump truck sustained minor injuries and cooperated fully with state troopers during initial interviews.
"Troopers are examining all contributing factors, including mechanical fitness and driver distraction, to determine the exact sequence of events," stated Louisiana State Police Troop A spokesperson Sergeant Steven Jansen. Crime scene technicians mapped the debris field using laser measuring devices while traffic diverted onto parallel rural routes.
Commercial vehicle inspectors checked the dump truck braking system and weight manifests to ensure compliance with federal transport regulations. Tow trucks hoisted the wrecked pickup onto a flatbed while clean-up crews spread absorbent material over spilled diesel fuel. Local residents gathered near the police tape, watching as investigators combed through personal belongings scattered across the grass.
The highway reopening was delayed by several hours as state road crews repaired a damaged guardrail section sheared off during the impact. Commercial truck traffic backed up for miles in both directions, creating logistical delays for regional freight operators. State police reiterated warnings regarding rural highway safety and the dangers of centerline drift.
Coroner investigators transported the deceased driver to the parish morgue for routine toxicology screenings and a formal autopsy examination. State troopers cleared the final wreckage from the lanes just before afternoon traffic began to build. The investigation remains open pending final forensic reports.
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