PORT ALLEN, La. (KLFY) – An Evangeline Parish woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash near Port Allen early Saturday morning, authorities said.

The crash claimed the life of Jada Bergeron, 20, of Mamou.

State Police said troopers responded shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday to a two-vehicle crash on La. 415 near Commercial Drive in West Baton Rouge Parish. Investigators said a 2015 Kia Rio, driven by 37-year-old Carlos Thomas, was traveling northbound on La. 415 near Commercial Drive. At the same time, a 2012 Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on La. 415.

For reasons still under investigation, the Kia turned left towards a private driveway, in front of the Nissan. As a result, the front of the Nissan hit the side of the Kia, officials said. 

Bergeron, who was the front passenger in the Altima, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Altima sustained minor injuries, according to police.

Thomas was placed under arrest and booked into the West Baton Rouge jail for improper lane usage, negligent homicide and vehicular negligent injuring. The passenger in the Kia sustained moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital, police said.

Impairment is unknown at this time, but standard toxicology samples will be taken and submitted for analysis, officials said. This crash remains under investigation.

Latest news