A freak accident in Louisiana claimed the life of a woman who was simply standing in her driveway when she was hit by trailers that detached from a tractor, leading to her death.

Louisiana State Police spokesperson Shelby Mayfield with the Public Affairs of State Police says a tractor with attached trailers carrying tankers was being driven southbound down Louisiana Highway 1 when the shocking situation unfolded.

Louisiana State Police Patch
Louisiana State Police, Facebook
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What Do Officials Know About The Crash Currently?

Mayfield says the preliminary investigation into the crash shows that the tractor driver was hauling tandem tanker trailers on Highway 1 north of US Highway 190.

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They have not yet concluded why the trailers detached from the tractor, but as they detached, they veered off of the roadway, and then, unbelievably, the trailers traveled onto a driveway, striking a 74-year-old woman.

Susan Shows was seriously injured when she was hit in her own driveway by the trailers. While she was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries, they were too severe for her to overcome. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

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Louisiana State Police, Facebook
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What Happens Now?

Mayfield says impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash, but as is standard in all fatal crashes, a routine toxicology sample was taken from the driver, and it will be analyzed at a lab.

Officials are still investigating the crash. After more information is obtained, charges would be determined at that time should the information warrant charges.

Tractor Hauling Trailer
Photo by Kiran Ridley/Getty Images
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What Do State Police Officials Want You To Know About Trailers?

  • Officials want to remind everyone using a trailer to make sure they have reviewed the procedures for properly securing trailers to a vehicle.
  • People are asked to ensure that the hitch for the trailer is locked.
  • Safety chains should be crossed.
  • Make sure any load that is being hauled is balanced correctly.
  • Trailers must functioning lights and brakes.
The crash happened at around 9:30 on the morning of Tuesday, March 18, in the town of Oscar in Pointe Coupee Parish. The investigation into this crash is ongoing.

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