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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=4993

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
4993 2013-11-10 Troop F Unrestrained Driver Killed in Madison Parish Crash


TROOP F NEWS RELEASE
November 10, 2013
      Unrestrained Driver Killed in Madison Parish Crash
On November 10, 2013, at 3:45 a.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a single vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 602 south of Interstate 20.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2001 BMW 32I, driven by 20-year-old Rafeal Saldana of Tallulah, was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 602 when it drove off the left side of the road while entering a right hand curve. The BMW traveled back onto the road and across both lanes before then driving off the right side of the road and overturning several times.

Rafeal Saldana was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected from the BMW. Rafeal Saldana suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Madison Parish Coroner’s Office. The passenger in the BMW, 21-year-old Philipe Saldana of Tallulah, was wearing his seat belt and reported moderate injuries. Philipe Saldana was transported to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe.

Alcohol use is unknown. A toxicology sample was taken and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, Troopers urge the public to remain vigilant while driving. Never drive a motor vehicle when impaired or fatigued. Always remain buckled up while in a vehicle, regardless of seating position. Avoid distracting activities, especially the temptations of electronic devices that can substantially divert a driver’s attention away from the road and always obey the speed limit.

Troop F has investigated 38 fatal crashes which have resulted in 43 deaths so far this year.


Contact Information
Trooper Albert Paxton
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (318) 345-2810
albert.paxton@la.gov
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