On late Sunday morning, 85-year-old Gail Rippel lost her life in a fatal three-vehicle accident in Denham Springs.

The fatal incident took place at the intersection of Pete’s Highway and Bay Street. According to reports, 23-year-old Cody Kahl, of Denham Springs, was steering a fire truck northbound on Pete’s Highway when it rear-ended a trailer.

After the first crash, the fire truck crossed the centerline of the roadway and struck another vehicle in the southbound lane of Pete’s Highway. On arrival, medics rushed the driver of the vehicle, Gail Rippel of Denham Springs to an area hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries.

Kahl was also transported to a hospital and was released. The driver of the vehicle that was transporting the trailer refused medical aid at the scene. Authorities said that a routine toxicology sample was obtained from Kahl at the hospital, while impairment is not suspected.

An investigation is ongoing.

June 15, 2021

Source: wafb.com

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