A tragic incident occurred on the evening of Monday when Rachel Bitter, a 39-year-old Folsom resident, died following a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 25, near Sweet Olive Lane. According to Louisiana State Police Troop L, their troopers were called to the scene around 6:25 p.m. to respond to the crash which involved serious injuries and ultimately resulted in Bitter's death.
The preliminary investigation has shown that the driver of a 2015 Ford E250 van, which was heading south on LA Hwy 25, inexplicably crossed the centerline into the opposing traffic lane. There, it struck the front left side of the northbound 2013 Cadillac ATS driven by Bitter. Despite being properly restrained, Bitter suffered grave injuries that led to her being transported to a local hospital, where she later passed away. The driver of the Ford received minor injuries but refused medical treatment at the scene of accident.
Authorities are still working to determine the factors that caused the crash. In their efforts to piece together what happened, troopers obtained routine toxicology samples from both the involved drivers for analysis. While the investigation continues, the police have stated that charges are pending.
Troopers are taking this moment to emphasize the importance of responsible driving. In their message, they underscore the dangers of driving impaired, fatigued, or distracted. These mishaps, while sometimes inevitable, prompt a reminder of simple yet effective precautions that could be instrumental in saving lives. The Louisiana State Police also urge the public to report any hazardous situations on the roads by dialing *LSP (*577) to reach them directly.
