A crash on U.S. Hwy. 371 at Doc Steed Road Monday claimed the life of an Arkansas woman.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m., troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G began investigating the two-vehicle fatal crash in which 35-year-old Desiree Randle of Conway died.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 34-year-old Brandi Long of Minden, was stopped on U.S. Hwy 371 preparing to turn left onto Doc Steed Road. At the same time, a 2006 Nissan Sentra, driven by Randle, was traveling south on U.S. Hwy 371. For reasons still under investigation, Long failed to yield and traveled into the path of the Sentra. As a result, the Silverado collided with the Sentra head-on, which caused the Sentra to become partially engulfed in flames. Webster Fire District 7 (Dixie Inn) and Minden Fire Department’s rescue truck responded to the call.

Randle, who was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Webster Parish Coroner. 

Long, who was unrestrained, suffered moderate injuries. A juvenile passenger in the Silverado, who was properly restrained, also suffered moderate injuries as a result of the crash. They were treated and released by EMS at  the scene.

Although impairment is not a suspected factor in this crash, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.