Baton Rouge, LA (August 5, 2026) – A man died on Monday morning after a collision involving a pickup truck and a dump truck on Plank Road south of Welch Road. The crash happened shortly after 9 a.m.
Louisiana State Police said 33-year-old Dakota Harvard was driving a 2010 Chevrolet pickup truck northbound on Plank Road when he crossed into the southbound lane. The pickup then struck the rear axle of a dump truck carrying sand.
Harvard was wearing a seat belt but died from fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The dump truck driver was also properly restrained and was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
The review into the cause of the collision is ongoing, and additional details may be released as the examination continues. We extend our sincere condolences to Dakota Harvard’s family and loved ones.
How Head-on Crashes Are Typically Reviewed
Head-on crashes are often examined by looking at vehicle movements, lane positions, roadway conditions, and driver actions. Investigators may review available evidence, vehicle damage, and witness information to better understand how the vehicles came together.
Factors such as visibility, roadway design, traffic patterns, and driver attention can affect the outcome of these crashes. Commercial trucks and passenger vehicles can vary widely in size and weight, which may influence the severity of injuries. Reviewing these details helps provide a clearer picture of how a serious roadway accident occurred.
