Louisiana State Police photo

 

A Union Pacific train struck a pickup in DeSoto Parish Monday afternoon killing two and leaving a third in critical condition.

 

Louisiana State Police say the accident occurred on LA 5, just south of Longstreet before 1 p.m.

 

Authorities say a 2001 Dodge Ram truck driven by 23-year old John Watson of Centerville, LA, for unknown reason drove into the path of a southbound Union Pacific freight train operated by 59-year old Kenneth Charles of Humble. The train struck the driver’s side.

 

Watson as well as passenger, 24-year old Michael Ryder II of Golddonna, LA were pronounced dead at the scene.  

 

Another passenger, 35-year old Herbert Barras III of Charenton, LA remains in critical condition at University Health in Shreveport.

 

The railroad crossing is not marked with lights, gates or bells but does have cross bucks and a stop sign.

 

The wreck remains under investigation.