HAMMOND, La. – A wrong-way driver is dead after a head-on crash with an 18-wheeler early Monday morning on Interstate 12 in Louisiana.
According to a release from the Louisiana State Police (LSP), the crash occurred shortly before 2:00 a.m. on Monday.
LSP stated its troopers began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 12 near milepost 44, just east of LA 3158 in Tangipahoa Parish.
The crash claimed the life of 18-year-old Brayden Sanders of Kentwood.
LSP stated that its preliminary investigation revealed that Sanders was driving a 2007 GMC Sierra eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 12. At the same time, a 2025 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer was traveling westbound in the left lane of Interstate 12.
Sanders collided with the Freightliner head-on. Following the initial impact, the GMC entered the median and overturned.
Sanders, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Freightliner was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
LSP said impairment is suspected to be a factor in this crash, and routine toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis.
The crash remains under investigation.
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.
