A lot of commercial truck and 18-wheeler traffic runs through Lafayette, Louisiana because it sits at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 49. Where there is a lot of commercial truck traffic, there is a high risk for semi and truck accidents. Because of the heavy loads commercial trucks carry, truck accidents can result in serious and sometimes fatal injury. Recently, a fatal truck accident occurred close to Kentwood, Louisiana.

This past Friday, two elderly ladies were killed after an 18-wheeler collided with the turning vehicle they were in on LA 38 East according to the Louisiana State Police. The fatal crash occurred just after 6 p.m. Friday. A 66-year-old woman was driving with three of other women. The ages of the other women were 74, 73 and 70. The group was in a 2005 Lincoln sedan and was traveling east on LA 38. The accident occurred after the driver of the Lincoln slowed to make a left turn.

As the driver slowed to stop, an 18-wheeler traveling the same direction behind the car did not notice the car slowing down. To avoid hitting the Lincoln, the semi driver swerved into the left lane. As the semi swerved into the left lane, the driver of the Lincoln began to turn left. The semi crashed into the left side of the car and killed the 74-year-old woman and 73-year-old woman riding in the back seat. The two elderly women were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The two women were not wearing seat belts.

The driver of the Lincoln and the front-seat passenger suffered serious injuries and were airlifted from the truck accident scene. The two women were wearing seatbelts.

The driver of the semi did not suffer any injuries and was charged with negligent homicide and negligent injury. Alcohol and drug impairment are not suspected by police.

Source: wwltv.com, "Two people killed in 18-wheeler accident in Kentwood," Chelsea Gaudin, Jan. 28, 2012