Lafayette Parish – Shortly after 4:00 p.m. on April 27, 2022, Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 98 (3400 block of Gloria Switch Rd) west of Louisiana Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish. The crash claimed the life of 80-year-old Joseph K. Carriere of Scott.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado pickup, driven by Carriere, was traveling east on LA 98. At the same time, a 2019 Bluebird school bus was traveling west on LA 98. For reasons still under investigation, Carriere’s pickup crossed the center line and struck the school bus head-on in the westbound lane.

Troopers determined Carriere was restrained at the time of the crash. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. The bus driver was also properly restrained. The bus driver and four students were transported to local hospitals, all with minor to moderate injuries.

Impairment, on the part of both drivers, is unknown at this time and blood samples have been submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that, while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

Troop I has investigated 8 fatal crashes resulting in 10 deaths since the beginning of 2022.