Elm Grove – On August 13, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a train on Old Highway 71 near U.S. Highway 71. The crash claimed the life of 29-year-old Andrew Morrow of Ruston.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2024 Mack Truck Tractor, driven by Morrow, was traveling west on Old Highway 71, approaching the intersection of U.S. Highway 71. At the same time, a Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) train was approaching the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and Old Highway 71. For reasons still under investigation, the Mack entered the crossing and collided with the train.
Morrow, whose restraint use is unknown due to the severity of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two CPKC employees sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to obey traffic laws at railroad crossings. A crossbuck sign functions as a yield sign, and where a stop sign is present, drivers must stop, look in both directions, and proceed only when it is safe. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can mean the difference between life and death.