Head-on crash claims life of Rayne man

Lafayette Parish - On Wednesday, March 30, shortly after 12:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 98 near Mills Street, that claimed the life of a Rayne man.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2001 Honda Civic driven by 20-year-old Joseph LeBlanc of Rayne was traveling east on LA 98 when for reasons still under investigation, he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound 2015 Dodge Ram truck driven by 49-year-old Arthur Bourque of Lafayette. After impact, LeBlanc’s vehicle traveled off of the roadway and became engulfed in flames.
LeBlanc was pronounced dead on scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. Troopers were unable to determine if LeBlanc was wearing a seat belt due to the damage sustained to the vehicle. Bourque was wearing a seat belt and suffered moderate injuries. He was transported to a Lafayette hospital by Acadian Ambulance.
Toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis.
The cause of this crash remains under investigation.