Teen passenger dies in red light crash in Lafayette; expected charges | Local

Lina PortmanJune 8, 2024

2 1 minute read

LAFAYETTE, La. (KADN) — A car running a red light caused a seven-vehicle crash that killed a teenager and closed part of the Evangeline Thruway for about five hours, police say.

Police said a 24-year-old man was driving on Mudd Avenue, where it crosses the Thruway, when he ran a red light, causing a seven-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a boy. 16 years old.

Police say when the vehicle traveling east on Mudd Avenue ran the red light, a vehicle heading north on Evangeline Thruway struck the vehicle's passenger side.

“The impact caused Vehicle 2 to strike Vehicle 3, which was also traveling northbound on Evangeline Highway,” said Sgt. Robin Green of the Lafayette Police Department.

Police added that after causing the initial crash, the car caused more.

“Vehicle 1 continued through the intersection and stopped after striking the other four vehicles that were at a local business,” said Sgt. Green.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KADN) — Lafayette police say a teenager is dead after the vehicle he was a passenger in ran a red light and was struck by another vehicle. The name of the 16-year-old boy has not been released.

This accident marked the 11th traffic fatality in 2024 in Lafayette and was the second time a fatal accident was caused by a person failing to obey traffic signals.

“Stop at these intersections. A lot of times when I'm driving on the Evangeline Highway, I always stop for a few minutes because I… people are constantly taking risks and going through these red lights without realizing that you can possibly harm yourself and others on the road,” said Sergeant Green.

Police said the crash remains under investigation.

They added that the 24-year-old driver would be questioned and charges expected.