Northbound Ford F-250 pickup truck traversed the mountable curb divider near Hazelnut Street
January 12, 2026 | Denham Springs, LA
Authorities report two fatalities and two injuries from a four-vehicle collision on South Range Avenue near Hazelnut Street, as confirmed by the Denham Springs Police Department.
Michael Wale, 69, of Denham Springs, and Richard McLaren, 65, of Ball, died in a four-vehicle crash on South Range Avenue near Hazelnut Street in Denham Springs.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred around 6:15 p.m. when a northbound Ford F-250 pickup truck crossed the mountable curb divider, crashing into a Nissan Maxima and two additional vehicles.
Key details include:
- Location: South Range Avenue near Hazelnut Street, Denham Springs, Louisiana
- Time: Approximately 6:15 p.m. on Jan. 12
- Vehicles Involved: Ford F-250, Nissan Maxima, and two other cars
- Victims: Michael Wale, 69, of Denham Springs, and Richard McLaren, 65, of Ball – both drivers deceased
- Injuries: Two others with minor injuries
- Agency: Denham Springs Police Department leading the investigation
The exact circumstances remain under review, with no further details released at this time.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Multi-vehicle crashes like this one often stem from various factors, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Leading Causes of Fatal Crashes (NHTSA Data) |
Description |
National Impact (2023) |
|---|
Speeding |
Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions |
Primary cause of fatalities |
Impaired Driving (Alcohol, Drugs, Medication) |
Operating under the influence |
Second leading factor |
Failure to Stay in Lane |
Drifting or improper lane maintenance |
Common in collisions |
Failure to Yield Right of Way |
Not giving priority to others |
Increases crash risk |
Distracted Driving |
Use of devices or other distractions |
Rising concern |
In 2023, NHTSA recorded 40,901 traffic fatalities nationwide, including 811 in Louisiana. Contributing elements such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting are typically examined in investigations.
Legal Insights
Newsline features analysis from national legal professionals to provide context on motor vehicle incidents.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to determine the exact cause of these types of accidents. Resources like reviewing insurance coverage, consulting adept witnesses, conducting background checks, and identifying witnesses are essential. We guide families through the process,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner with Bond Legal and national legal analyst with Newsline.
Key takeaways:
- An accident reconstruction team may be required to reconstruct the crash.
- These efforts help clients pursue compensation for damages or losses after a collision.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Having rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will monitor the investigation and ensure legal rights and best interests are safeguarded.”
Families of those affected, including Michael Wale and Richard McLaren, may consider a wrongful death claim for damages like loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Attorneys can counter insurance companies' defenses while advocating for victims' families.
Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. For transparency, view our Corrections Policy, which guarantees a 24-hour review of any submitted corrections.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).