A crash on the White Lightning Road (La. Highway 146) near Lake Claiborne claimed the life of a 5-year-old child Saturday afternoon.
At about 3:45 p.m. Saturday, Louisiana State Police, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and other emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on La. 146 near Public Boat Ramp Road just east of the Lake Claiborne bridge.
Preliminary investigation indicated a 2015 Toyota SUV, driven by 31-year-old Jordan Burton of Homer, was traveling west on La. 146. At the same time, a 2014 Dodge Ram was traveling east on La. 146. For reasons still under investigation, Burton’s Toyota crossed the center line and collided with the Dodge.
Burton, who was properly restrained, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The 5-year-old child, who was improperly restrained in the rear seat of the Toyota, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. A 10-year-old child, who was improperly restrained in the front passenger seat, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Dodge, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and was also taken to a local hospital.
Impairment is suspected on the part of Burton. Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation by Louisiana State Police and charges are pending.
Sunday morning Mt. Olive Christian School in Athens announced that a student assembly is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday since the family is affiliated with the school. The 5-year-old was a kindergarten student at Mt. Olive. The school reported on behalf of the family that the 10-year-old has already undergone several surgeries.
State troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while in motor vehicles. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Louisiana law requires every person inside a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, remain properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death.
