An unidentified man was killed late Friday after being hit by two vehicles on the eastbound Westbank Expressway near Garden Road in Marrero. The collision happened shortly after 9 p.m., and emergency crews pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. Troopers said both drivers stayed at the scene and were not hurt.
What officials say
According to WVUE/FOX8, Louisiana State Police said the pedestrian, described as wearing dark clothing, was crossing the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 90 Business shortly after 9 p.m. when he was first struck by an eastbound 2016 Nissan Rogue and then hit by an eastbound 2016 Honda HR-V. The agency told the station both drivers were wearing seat belts and were not injured. Troopers said driver impairment was not suspected while routine toxicology samples were collected. Anyone with information that could help identify the victim or explain the crash was asked to contact Louisiana State Police Troop B at (504) 471-2775, the news report added.
Safety reminders from state police
State police have urged both drivers and pedestrians to be extra cautious on high-speed corridors like the Westbank Expressway and to avoid walking along interstates except in emergencies. It is the kind of rule that may feel easy to ignore until tragedy underlines why it exists. “Pedestrians are reminded that walking along an interstate is strictly prohibited under Louisiana law, except in emergency situations,” according to Louisiana State Police, which also recommends wearing reflective clothing, using well-lit areas and minimizing distractions when near roadways.
Pedestrian safety in Louisiana
Pedestrian fatalities have remained stubbornly high nationwide and in Louisiana. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimated more than 7,300 pedestrian deaths nationwide in 2023, and its state data show Louisiana recorded roughly 72 pedestrian fatalities that year, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Research also shows high-speed, multi-lane expressways pose elevated risks for people on foot, particularly in dark or unlit conditions, which helps explain why crashes on corridors like the Westbank Expressway are often fatal; see a study in Case Studies on Transport Policy for more on the interstate pattern.
Troopers said the investigation is ongoing and that they will release more information as tests and interviews are completed, according to WVUE/FOX8. The agency asked anyone with relevant information to call Troop B at (504) 471-2775.
