Local News
10-year-old Bella Cassell and 31-year-old Callie Durbin killed in Bossier Parish UTV Crash
Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal UTV crash that claimed the lives of two individuals and left a juvenile injured Saturday evening in Bossier Parish.
According to Troop G, the crash occurred on April 11, 2026, at approximately 8:15 p.m. along Merritt Road near Merry Lane in Benton.
Troopers responded to the scene and began a preliminary investigation into the single-vehicle incident.
Authorities reported that a 2012 Polaris Ranger Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) was traveling eastbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control.
The vehicle exited the roadway and overturned, resulting in all occupants being ejected.
The driver, identified as 10-year-old Bella Cassell of Benton, was not restrained and was not wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the crash.
She sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
A front-seat passenger, 31-year-old Callie Durbin, also of Benton, was likewise unrestrained and not wearing a helmet. She suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second juvenile passenger, who was also unrestrained and not wearing a helmet, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Investigators stated that impairment is not currently suspected as a contributing factor; however, routine toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
The crash remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. โ A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.