Two Mississippi men were killed Thursday and Friday in highway accidents on Louisiana roadways; investigators said neither was wearing a seatbelt.

On Thursday at approximately 5:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a five vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 12 near LA 1088. The crash has claimed the life of 44-year-old Byron Lee Sanford of Laurel, MS.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that Sanford was driving a 2014 Ford F-150 eastbound on Interstate 12 in the left lane.

Traffic ahead of Sanford had slowed to a stop due to traffic congestion. For reasons still under investigation, Sanford failed to observe the stopping vehicles ahead of him and crashed into the rear of a 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck, causing a chain reaction five vehicle crash.

Sanford was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on-scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, blood samples were collected for analysis. The driver of the Chevrolet truck was properly restrained. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Impairment is not suspected to have been a contributing factor in this crash.

Shortly before 5 a.m. Friday, Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a single vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 38 west of LA Hwy 43 in St. Helena Parish. The crash claimed the life of 36-year-old Douglas Glass of Osyka, MS.

The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred as Glass, a Fireman with the Zachary Fire Department, was traveling westbound on LA Hwy 38 in a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet struck a tree limb that was hanging across the roadway.

Glass was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash, but a toxicology sample was taken from Glass and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and there is no further information at this time.

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, and follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.