DESOTO PARISH, La– A tragic crash early Saturday morning has left one person dead in DeSoto Parish after a pickup truck collided with a saltwater tanker, authorities confirmed.
According to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO) and Louisiana State Police (LSP), the accident happened shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 169 and Louisiana Highway 172.
Preliminary reports indicate that the pickup truck and the tanker collided under circumstances that remain under investigation. The driver of the pickup truck was ejected from the vehicle during the violent crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. No other injuries have been reported at this time.
Law enforcement officers blocked off the intersection for several hours Saturday morning while crash reconstruction experts examined the scene. Both DPSO and LSP are working to determine the events that led up to the collision, including whether factors such as speed, visibility, or driver impairment played a role.
The name of the deceased driver has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Local residents said the intersection of LA-169 and LA-172 has long been considered dangerous, with heavy truck traffic in the area creating added risks for passenger vehicles. Authorities did not say if the tanker driver sustained any injuries but confirmed the vehicle remained at the scene for inspection.
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office urged drivers to use caution on rural highways, especially in the early morning hours when traffic conditions can change quickly.
“This is a heartbreaking loss,” one DPSO official said. “Our hearts go out to the family of the victim, and we are working closely with Louisiana State Police to complete a thorough investigation.”
Further details, including the identity of the victim and findings from the crash investigation, are expected to be released in the coming days.
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