Teenager Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in St. Martin Parish Crash
Henderson – On September 12, 2026, shortly after 5:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a serious injury two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 West near the Butte La Rose exit in St. Martin Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of a 13-year-old female of Bellevue.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Hyundai Elantra was traveling west on I-10 in the left lane. At the same time, a 2020 Ram ProMaster was traveling west on I-10 in the right lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai traveled from the left lane into the right lane, struck the concrete barrier, and then struck the rear of the Ram. After impact, both vehicles struck concrete barriers.
A 13-year-old passenger in the Hyundai, who was unrestrained, sustained critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, where she later died on September 15th. The driver and three additional passengers were also unrestrained and transported to an area hospital for treatment. One of the passengers was an infant in a child safety seat; however, the child safety seat was not properly secured to the vehicle. The driver of the Ram, who was properly restrained, reported no injuries.
Impairment on the part of the Hyundai driver is unknown; however, a standard toxicology sample was collected and submitted for analysis. The driver of the Ram showed no signs of impairment and voluntarily submitted to a breath test, which showed no alcohol detected.
On September 15, 2026, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified that the 13-year-old passenger of the Hyundai succumbed to her injuries. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make responsible choices when driving. Avoid impairment, fatigue, and distractions; follow all traffic laws; and ensure every occupant in the vehicle is properly restrained. Louisiana law requires children from birth to at least 2 years old to ride rear-facing in an infant or convertible child safety seat. Children younger than 13 shall ride in the rear seat, when available, and remain properly restrained. Every Louisiana State Police Troop is a child safety seat fitting station and offers free assistance with proper child restraint installation.
For more information in your area, please visit https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/our-programs/child-passenger-safety/.
Contact Information:
Trooper Monique Lavergne
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop I
Office: (337) 262- 5880
[email protected]
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