BOGALUSA, La. — Two people died when a compact SUV crashed into a concrete ditch early Sunday morning, according to a statement from Louisiana State Police Troop L.
"The crash claimed the lives of 32-year-old Mallory Odom of Bogalusa, Louisiana and 31-year-old Kassi Creel of Franklinton, Louisiana," LSP spokesperson wrote.
The driver, Odom was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 21 in a 2017 Nissan Rogue, first reports from the investigation at the scene of the crash said.
"For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan crossed the centerline and exited the roadway to the left," the LSP report said.
Neither Odom nor Creel was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, the report said. Both occupants were fatally hurt in the crash.
"Impairment is unknown, but a standard toxicology sample was obtained from the driver for analysis," the LSP report said. "This crash remains under investigation."
The crash happened on LA Hwy 21, north of Bogalusa in Washington Parish.
The below statement is an excerpt from the LSP report:
"The morning after Christmas day, the lives of two families have changed forever. Far too often, Troopers see the tragic consequences of preventable motor vehicle crashes. Troopers implore Louisiana motorists to make safe decisions behind the wheel. Please, speak to your loved ones today about the importance of always wearing a seatbelt, remind them to never drive impaired, and point out the dangers of distracted driving. The conversation you have could make all the difference."
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