LAPLACE – A Prairieville man was killed in an Monday morning crash on Airline Highway in LaPlace.

Louisiana State Police Troop B was notified of a serious injury crash on U.S.Highway 61 just north of Walnut Street at about 8:45 a.m.

Rathert J. Able was seriously injured in the crash and was transported to River Parishes Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Preliminary investigation revealed that Able was driving a 1997 Mazda pick-up truck north on U.S. 61 in the right lane. According to reports, the Mazda began to accelerate suddenly and drift into the left lane. 

The Mazda struck a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Shawn Louque of LaPlace in the right rear quarter panel and continued over the center turn lane and southbound lanes of U.S. 61. The Mazda then struck a culvert and came to rest. Able was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Impairment is not considered as a factor at this time, however toxicology results are pending an autopsy. Speed is believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.