| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 734 | 2009-10-02 | Troop A | Deadly Crash and Vehicle Fire on Interstate 10 |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE October 2, 2009 Deadly Crash and Vehicle Fire on Interstate 10 BATON ROUGE – A two-vehicle crash on I-10 westbound, west of Siegen Lane, claimed the life of a small child and put four adults in intensive care after the truck they were riding was rear-ended and caught fire just before 2:00 a.m. this morning. Dwayne L. Leggett (B/M, age 30) of Baton Rouge, was driving a 2005 Ford pickup west on I-10 in the right lane when he crossed the Siegen Lane overpass. Traffic had come to a stop due to road construction, and Leggett failed to stop before striking the rear of a 1994 Ford Pickup. Upon impact, the 1994 Ford immediately burst into flames and was pushed onto the right shoulder. The 2005 Ford veered to the left, struck the center retaining wall, and came to rest in the left lane. Troopers and first responders were on scene very shortly after the crash occurred, but were unable to save the small child. There were four adult passengers also riding in the 1994 Ford. All four passengers were assisted out of the vehicle, but suffered severe burn injuries. Acadian Ambulance transported the four adults to Baton Rouge General Hospital (Mid-City), where they all remain in critical condition. Leggett sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Troopers suspect that alcohol and cell phone distraction may have been contributing factors to this crash. Troopers have submitted a sample of Leggett’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Troopers have charged Leggett with Careless Operation, Negligent Homicide, and four counts of Negligent Injuring. Further charges may arise, pending results of the chemical test. Troopers worked through the morning to get the roadway opened as they diverted traffic off I-10 westbound at Siegen Lane and back onto I-10 at Bluebonnet. Shortly before 4:00 a.m., all lanes were re-opened. Contact Information: Tpr Russell G. Graham II Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop A Office: (225) 754-8524 russell.graham@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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