UTV crash in Benton kills 2, injures another

BENTON, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A woman and child were killed, and another person was injured in a UTV crash Saturday. Louisiana State Police said they were called to the scene of the single-vehicle crash around 8:15 p.m. on April 11 on Merritt Road near Merry Lane. The crash fatally injured 10-year-old Bella Cassell and 31-year-old Callie Durbin, both residents of Benton. LSP said the preliminary crash report indicates that Cassell was driving the 2012 Polaris Ranger Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) east on Merritt Road when the UTV left the roadway and overturned, causing all riders on the vehicle to be ejected. Crash investigators have not determined why the vehicle left the roadway. A news release detailing the incident said Cassell was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. She was brought to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries, where she later died. Durbin was restrained in the front passenger seat; none of the riders were wearing a helmet. She was pronounced dead on the scene. The third passenger, a juvenile, was also in the front seat but unrestrained. The second passenger sustained injuries described as moderate and was brought to a hospital for treatment. The crash remains under investigation. LSP reminds the public to avoid operating UTVs on public roads, and urges every driver and passenger in every vehicle to wear a seat belt. For more information about Louisiana State Law related to UTV operation, visit the Louisiana Legislature website.