Friday at approximately 1:20 p.m., troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA Highway 21 near Lon Miley Road, between Bogalusa and Angie.
The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Zachary D. Armijo of Bogalusa and a juvenile passenger, whose identity is being withheld pending identification.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a 2017 Chevrolet Cruz was traveling south on LA Highway 21. At the same time, a Volvo Tractor Trailer was traveling north on LA Highway 21. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet crossed the centerline and struck the Volvo head-on. Following the crash, the Chevrolet caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames.
Armijo, the driver, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Due to the severity of the crash, seatbelt use is unknown at this time. The driver of the Volvo, who was properly restrained, was uninjured.
As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Highway 21 in Washington Parish has been the scene of multiple fatal crashes during the past year.
State troopers are reminding motorists of the importance of making responsible decisions while operating a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every occupant of a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, remain properly restrained at all times. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can often mean the difference between life and death.
