TICKFAW--A 27-year-old Loranger resident, identified as Brandon Lala, was killed in a single vehicle crash on LA 442 approximately 2 miles east of Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish.

The crash happened Thursday, Nov. 8 just before 8:30 a.m.

Lala was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The crash occurred as Lala was traveling west on LA 442 in his 1999 Dodge Ram. For unknown reasons, the pickup truck drifted left across both the centerline and eastbound lane before running off the road to the south side of the highway.

Upon leaving the paved roadway, the Dodge pickup crossed the roadside ditch and struck a utility pole with its right front corner.

As a result of striking the pole, the vehicle rotated in a counterclockwise direction and overturned partially ejecting the unrestrained driver.

Lala was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. Investigating Troopers do not suspect driver impairment to be a factor in the crash, pending the results of a toxicology exam.

While not all crashes are survivable, seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury.

Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night. Taking the time to buckle up every trip and every time is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

Contact information:

TFC Nick Manale

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Unit

Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628

Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov

www.LSP.org