LOUISIANA — A 22-year-old Tangipahoa Parish woman was killed early Saturday morning in a multi-vehicle crash in Amite, according to Louisiana State Police.
Troopers identified the victim as Janya Butler.
The crash happened on Louisiana Highway 16 at Dykes Lane. Investigators said Butler was driving a 2026 Kia K4 eastbound on Highway 16 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed the center line.
According to state police, the Kia first struck the front bumper of a westbound 2013 Ford F-150 before coming to rest in the westbound lane. Troopers said a westbound 2020 Chevrolet Silverado was then unable to avoid the crash and struck the passenger side of the Kia.
Butler, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, investigators said.
The driver of the Ford, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured. Authorities said the driver of the Chevrolet was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered minor injuries.
During the investigation, troopers said the driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 48-year-old Franklin Turnage, showed signs of impairment. He was arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility on charges of first-offense DWI, driving while suspended and not wearing a seatbelt.
Routine toxicology samples were collected from all drivers as part of the investigation, state police said.
The crash remains under investigation.
