Driver – Lance Marshall Dies at Scene After Car Spins Out in Avondale Crash
Avondale, LA — A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in Avondale, Louisiana, resulting in the death of one individual and leaving another injured. The crash occurred on the Westbank Expressway, a major thoroughfare in the area, and has left the community in shock.
According to a statement from the Louisiana State Police, the accident involved two vehicles and took place at approximately 2:30 PM. Lance Marshall, a 36-year-old resident of Waggaman, was driving a vehicle involved in the crash. Reports indicate that Marshall was speeding when he collided with a 2011 Honda CR-V near the intersection of Beechgrove Boulevard.
Marshall is alleged to have run a red light, leading to the fatal collision. The impact was so severe that it caused Marshall’s vehicle to spin out of control. After striking a concrete sign, the car veered off the road and ended up in a ditch. Tragically, the vehicle caught fire, and despite efforts by first responders, Marshall was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger in Marshall’s vehicle, whose identity has not been released, sustained injuries in the crash. Emergency services transported the injured individual to a nearby hospital for treatment. The condition of the passenger is currently unknown, and further updates have not been provided by authorities.
The driver of the Honda CR-V, the other vehicle involved in the collision, was reportedly uninjured. According to the Louisiana State Police, this driver was not at fault, as Marshall’s actions of speeding and running the red light were the primary causes of the accident.
This incident adds to the growing concerns over traffic safety on the Westbank Expressway, a roadway that has seen its share of accidents in recent years. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, there has been a noticeable increase in traffic incidents on this stretch of road, particularly involving speeding and reckless driving.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that speeding is a leading cause of traffic fatalities in the United States, accounting for nearly 26% of all traffic-related deaths in 2022. In Louisiana alone, speeding-related crashes have been a significant concern, with the state ranking among the highest in the nation for such incidents. This accident is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with high-speed driving and the importance of obeying traffic signals.
Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash, seeking to determine all contributing factors, including whether impairment played a role. Toxicology reports for Marshall are pending, and the results will be part of the ongoing investigation.
The Westbank Expressway was temporarily closed following the accident, with traffic being diverted to alternative routes. Crews worked for several hours to clear the scene, and the roadway has since been reopened.
The community is mourning the loss of Lance Marshall, while also hoping for the recovery of the injured passenger. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the risks present on the roads and the critical need for vigilance and adherence to traffic laws.
As investigations continue, the Louisiana State Police urge all drivers to prioritize safety, particularly by adhering to speed limits and traffic signals. The goal is to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of everyone using the state’s roadways.