Abbeville man dies in early morning crash on U.S. 90

LAFAYETTE PARISH -- A 43-year-old Abbeville man is dead and two others are injured following an early Saturday morning fatal crash on U.S. 90 at Verot School Road.

According to investigating Louisiana State Police troopers, shortly before 5:30 a.m., 30-year-old Hilmar Estrada of Bunkie, was driving a 2005 International 18-wheeler cane hauler east on U.S. 90 approaching Verot School Road.  A 2008 Nissan Altima, driven by 43-year-old Billy Meaux of Abbeville, and a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Billy Bourque of Lafayette, were turning left from Verot School Road onto U.S. 90, a news release stated.

  Estrada failed to stop at a red signal light and struck both vehicles on the driver side, the report stated.  Troopers indicated that both Meaux and Bourque had a green signal light allowing them to enter the intersection.  After hitting the two vehicles, Estrada’s 18-wheeler overturned.

 Estrada and Bourque were both restrained and were transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.  Meaux was also restrained; however, he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lafayette Parish coroner.

 Troopers have obtained toxicology samples and they will be submitted to the State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

 Estrada has been cited for failing to stop for a red signal.  This crash remains under investigation.