FARMERVILLE, La. – A crash between a passenger car and a semi truck resulted in one death in Louisiana on Wednesday.
According to a release from the Louisiana State Police (LSP), the incident happened shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday. That is when LSP began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Louisiana Highway 2 at its intersection with Louisiana Highway 828. LSP stated that the crash claimed the life of 92-year-old Lonnie Pardue Jr. of Farmerville.
LSP said its initial investigation revealed that a 2009 Lincoln Town Car, driven by Pardue, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 828. At the same time, a 2016 Peterbilt pulling an empty equipment trailer was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 2. For reasons still under investigation, as Pardue approached the intersection at Louisiana Highway 2, he failed to yield at the stop sign and traveled into the path of the Peterbilt. As a result, the Peterbilt struck the Lincoln in the westbound lane of Louisiana Highway 2.
Pardue, who was unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, according to LSP. The driver of the Peterbilt, who was also unrestrained, suffered minor injuries and was transferred to an area hospital for treatment. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
“While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chances of being severely injured or killed in a crash,” LSP stated. “Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, remain buckled up at all times. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries during crashes.”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
