Pedestrian Killed in Secondary Crash in Tangipahoa Parish Crash

Hammond - On October 18, 2024, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on US Hwy 51 at Kohnke Hill Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 81-year-old Charles Baglio Jr. of Independence.

The preliminary investigation revealed that two separate crashes occurred, only minutes apart, in the same general location along US Hwy 51 at Kohnke Hill Road. The first crash involved a 2025 Nissan Altima, driven by Baglio, who was eastbound on Kohnke Hill Road toward US Hwy 51. Simultaneously, a 2016 Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on US Hwy 51 towards Kohnke Hill Road. Preliminary findings indicate the 2025 Nissan, driven by Baglio, entered the intersection of US Hwy 51 in the pathway of the 2016 Nissan traveling southbound on US Hwy 51. As a result, the 2025 Nissan driven by Baglio, was struck by the 2016 Nissan traveling south on US Hwy 51. The 2025 Nissan came to rest partially across both lanes of US Hwy 51. The 2016 Nissan exited the roadway and came to rest in the northbound ditch.

Following the initial crash and before emergency personnel arrived, Baglio exited his vehicle and walked to check on the driver in the northbound ditch of US Hwy 51. After leaving the shoulder on foot and re-entering the roadway, Baglio was walking back to his vehicle when a 2001 Toyota Tundra traveling southbound on US Hwy 51 struck Baglio.

Baglio sustained fatal injuries as a result of the second crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was unrestrained but uninjured. Impairment is not suspected on the part of the Toyota driver who provided a breath sample of .000g%. A routine toxicology sample was obtained from Baglio for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

Troopers urge motorists to stay alert when approaching disabled vehicles or pedestrians on the roadside. Pedestrians should also exercise caution when walking near roadways. Wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and keeping a safe distance from traffic lanes while facing oncoming vehicles can help prevent pedestrian-related crashes. If you witness any hazardous situations, please dial *LSP (577) to report it to the Louisiana State Police.

Contact Information:
Trooper Marc Gremillion
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section - Troop L
Phone: (225) 877-8417
[email protected]