Evangeline Parish- Yesterday, Louisiana State Police Troop I investigated a single vehicle crash on LA 104 west of LA 13.  The crash claimed the life of a Ville Platte man.

According to investigating troopers, on January 11, 2012, at 1:55 p.m., 59-year-old Dwain Lafleur of Ville Platte, was traveling east on LA 104.  A 1998 GMC Propane transport truck driven by 70-year-old Jerry Hebert of Ville Platte, was traveling west on LA 104 approaching Lafleur.  For reasons still under investigation, Lafleur crossed the center line and struck Hebert’s vehicle head-on.

Lafleur, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Evangeline Parish Coroner.  Hebert sustained minor injuries in the crash and was treated at the scene.  Routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers and have been submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.  This crash remains under investigation.

While not all crashes are survivable, the proper wearing of a seat belt and the correct use of age and size appropriate child restraints are still the best ways to reduce injuries and deaths in traffic crashes.