Fort Polk man killed in crash
Female driver seriously injured
LEESVILLE — A Fort Polk man is dead, and a woman is seriously injured following a Saturday night crash.
According to a press release from Louisiana State Police Troop E, the head-on collision involved two vehicles around 9:50 p.m. on La. Hwy. 8 west of Leesville.
The crash involved a 2005 Ford Expedition driven by 38-year-old Omar Rendon of Leesville, according to Troop E Public Information Officer Daniel "Scott" Moreau, and a 2013 Nissan Altima driven by a 22-year-old female.
The Ford was westbound on La. Hwy 8 when Rendon lost control and crossed the centerline, Moreau stated in the news release. "This action resulted in the Ford colliding head-on with the eastbound Nissan. After the initial collision occurred, both vehicles became disabled in the roadway and were later struck by two other vehicles, resulting in separate crashes."
Rendon was wearing his seat belt and received minor injuries. He was transported to Byrd Hospital for treatment.
The female driver was wearing her seat belt, but received serious injuries. She was transported to Rapides Regional Trauma Center for treatment. Her male passenger, also 22, was wearing his seat belt, but was pronounced dead. The identities of the driver and passenger are being withheld until notification of the next of kin is made. According to the new release, both are Fort Polk residents.
Routine toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation.
In 2018, Troop E has investigated 43 fatal crashes resulting in 47 deaths.