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Amite – Thursday morning, shortly before 7:30 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 16 at McDaniel Road in St. Helena Parish. The crash claimed the life of 80-year-old Frances Johnson of Amite. 

The initial investigation revealed that a 2007 Ford Edge, driven by Johnson, was stopped at a stop sign on McDaniel Road at the intersection of LA Hwy 16. At the same time, a 2016 Peterbilt 567 was westbound on LA Hwy 16. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford traveled onto LA Hwy 16 directly into the path of the Peterbilt. The Peterbilt impacted the driver’s side of the Ford.  

Johnson was unrestrained and sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. She was transported to a local hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Peterbilt was properly restrained and was not injured. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. 

While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.