AVOYELLES PARISH, La. (WNTZ) – Louisiana State Police say a 16-year-old Bunkie girl died Monday afternoon in a single-vehicle collision on Louisiana Highway 114 west of Louisiana Highway 1185.

Troop E investigators said the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. when a 2006 Ford Escape, driven by another 16-year-old, left the roadway and struck several trees.

According to troopers, the juvenile passenger, who was properly restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis as part of the investigation.

State police said the cause of the crash remains under investigation but noted that distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading factor in serious and fatal crashes across Louisiana.

“Even a brief lapse in awareness can have deadly consequences,” troopers said in a statement.