Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were dispatched on Feb. 20 around 4:27 pm by NATCOM 911 Center to a reported single-vehicle crash involving a fire on La. Hwy 3279 in the Marco community according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Units arrived on scene finding the vehicle overturned and fully engulfed in flames. The driver was able to climb out of the vehicle with no injuries just seconds before the fire.
Deputies say the preliminary investigation, revealed that a 2007 GMC pickup truck operated by a 21-year-old Flatwoods man was traveling westbound on La. Hwy 3279 at an apparent excessive speed when he entered a curve in the opposite (eastbound) lane. While in the curve in the eastbound lane he met an oncoming eastbound vehicle which allegedly resulted in him overcorrecting the vehicle exiting the road on the right side traveling several hundred feet. The vehicle then crossed both lanes exiting the road on the left side traveling several feet striking a couple of trees overturning and coming to a rest on its right side. The driver was able to climb out of the vehicle just before it became engulfed in flames.
Deputies say EMS assessed the driver at the scene, however, he stated he was fine and refused medical aid.
Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #1 extinguished the blaze and remained on scene to assist with traffic control.
Deputies say the driver was cited for Careless Operation of a Vehicle.
A local towing service responded to the scene to remove the wreckage.
Deputies say speeding and distracted driving are leading causes of crashes; don’t speed, don’t drive distracted and always pay attention to the road, it can save your life and the life of others.
