Henderson – On September 12, 2026, shortly after 5:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a serious injury two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 West near the Butte La Rose exit in St. Martin Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of a 13-year-old female from Port Barre.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Hyundai Elantra was traveling west on I-10 in the left lane. At the same time, a 2020 Ram ProMaster was traveling west on I-10 in the right lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai traveled from the left lane into the right lane, struck the concrete barrier, and then struck the rear of the Ram. After impact, both vehicles struck concrete barriers.
A 13-year-old passenger in the Hyundai, who was unrestrained, sustained critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, where she later died. The driver and three additional passengers were also unrestrained and transported to an area hospital for treatment. One of the passengers was an infant in a child safety seat; however, the child safety seat was not properly secured to the vehicle. The driver of the Ram, who was properly restrained, reported no injuries.
