A 33-year-old Elton man was killed in a two-vehicle crash Monday morning on US. 165, about a half-mile south of Ikes Road in Allen Parish

Louisiana State Police Trooper Sgt. Derek Senegal said the crash claimed the life of Terrance Dewayne Dartez.

Senegal said the driver of a 2019 Mack (a rear-loader garbage truck) was traveling south on U.S. 165 and slowing down while moving onto the shoulder of the roadway for trash collection. A 2012 Ford F350 pickup truck, driven by 38-year-old Kevin Todd Miller of Kinder, was traveling south on US. 165 and approaching the garbage truck from the rear. As the garbage truck was slowing down, Miller failed to reduce his speed.

“Prior to impact, Miller took evasive actions to avoid it by steering to the left,” Senegal said. “The front passenger side of the Ford struck the left rear of the garbage truck.”

Dartez, who was not properly restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Miller was not properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The driver and passenger of the garbage truck were both properly retrained and sustained moderate injuries. Both were transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers and will be submitted for analysis. Miller was cited for careless operation and no seat belt. The crash remains under investigation.   .

Troop D has investigated 25 fatal crashes resulting in 28 deaths in 2023.