ST. MARTINVILLE, St. Martin Parish, La., Nov. 14, 2026 — A 51-year-old St. Martinville man died on Friday morning, November 13, after his car collided head-on with a tractor on Louisiana Highway 96 near Bernis Road, according to Louisiana State Police.
The crash happened just before 5 a.m. Investigators believe the man was attempting to pass another vehicle when his car struck a John Deere tractor traveling in the opposite direction. After the collision, the car left the roadway and went into a ditch. The tractor's front left tire reportedly came off and landed on the car's roof.
The 51-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger and the tractor's driver suffered minor injuries, troopers said. All three people involved were wearing seat belts.
Impairment is not suspected to be a factor, according to Louisiana State Police, and the crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
Intersection Crashes in Louisiana
This fatal crash happened at Highway 96 and Bernis Road in St. Martinville, LA. Our Louisiana intersections page covers intersection crashes across Louisiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most head-on crashes happen?
They tend to occur on two-lane rural highways without a median, where opposing traffic is separated only by a painted line or a narrow shoulder.
What role does passing play in head-on crashes?
Attempting to pass on a two-lane road puts a vehicle directly into the oncoming lane for several seconds, leaving little time to react if a vehicle is approaching or hidden by a curve or rise in the road.
How do median barriers help prevent head-on crashes?
A physical barrier between opposing lanes of travel keeps vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic, which is why they are common on divided highways but usually absent on rural two-lane routes.
What should I do if a car drifts into my lane?
Slow down, move toward the shoulder if possible, and sound your horn to alert the other driver. Avoid swerving sharply, which can cause a loss of control.
