Baton Rouge, LA (June 16, 2026) – The police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that killed two people and left two others critically injured on Sunday afternoon, June 14, in Baton Rouge.
The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Main Street near the Interstate 110 overpass. Authorities reported that a 2017 Ford F-250 was traveling eastbound on Main Street while a 2023 Ford F-150 was heading south on 9th Street. Investigators said the F-250 entered the intersection after running a red light and struck the passenger side of the F-150.
Rescue units responded to the scene and confirmed that both passengers in the F-150, identified as 94-year-old Robert Tarver and 69-year-old Carla Tarver, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the F-150 and the driver of the F-250 were both taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
Witnesses reported the F-250 was traveling at a high rate of speed and driving erratically before the collision. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
What Investigators Review in High-Speed Intersection Crashes
After serious intersection crashes, investigators typically examine traffic signal timing, vehicle speeds, and right-of-way conditions. In cases involving red-light violations, signal phase data and witness statements often help establish how the vehicles entered the intersection. Physical evidence, such as debris patterns and vehicle damage, can also help reconstruct the sequence of impact.
Roadway design and traffic flow are also reviewed, especially in busy urban intersections with multiple crossing directions. Investigators may also consider whether driver behavior, visibility, or distraction played a role. When injuries or fatalities occur, medical reports and crash reconstructions are often used to better understand the severity and dynamics of the collision. These combined factors help authorities determine how and why the crash occurred.
