State Police are investigating a crash involving two vehicles that killed a Louisiana Army National Guardsman from Shreveport and moderately injured another. The Guardsmen were traveling home from Hammond, where they were on active duty, providing relief efforts to those that were affected by Hurricane Isaac, when their vehicle was tragically struck.
Troopers say the crash happened around 3:20 p.m., which occurred on I-49, approximately five miles north of LA Hwy 6, in Natchitoches Parish. The crash involved a 2007 Kenworth (18 wheeler) driven by James Saucier of Opelousas, and a military Humvee, driven by 30 year old Sergeant Kevin Dean Weiner of Shreveport.
Sergeant Weiner's vehicle was the last vehicle traveling in a military convoy. Troopers say, Saucier was traveling faster than the convoy and collided with the rear of the Humvee. After the collision, the Humvee overturned and came to rest in the median of I-49. The Kenworth also came to rest in the median.
Saucier was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured. Sergeant Weiner was also wearing his seatbelt, but was pronounced dead. His passenger, identified as Sergeant John C. Fike of Bossier City, was wearing his seatbelt and received moderate injuries. He was transported to Natchitoches Parish Hospital for treatment.
The Guardsmen were/are part of the 165th CSSB Unit from Bossier City. Sergeant Weiner had been with the Louisiana Army National Guard for 12 years.
Routine toxicology tests and charges are pending. The crash remains under investigation.
"The Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana National Guard share a partnership which is based on a commitment to public safety and service to our citizens. Troopers and Guardsmen have stood shoulder to shoulder across Louisiana for incidents and events which have affected our state," said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. "This tragic event has left our hearts heavy for the soldiers and airmen of the Louisiana National Guard and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved."
While not all crashes are survivable, seatbelts can greatly decrease the occupant's chance of death and will greatly reduce the extent of injury. Also, motorists must stay attentive to their surroundings and must pay special attention to the traffic in front of them, especially on Interstate highways where speeds are usually higher and crashes are usually more severe. By limiting distractions inside the vehicle, motorists will be more likely to remain attentive.
Troop E Troopers have investigated 45 fatal crashes in 2012, resulting in 50 fatalities.