A duplex on the corner of Second and Bossier Streets shook on its foundation when a 2001 Chevrolet van ran the curb and into the corner of the front porch around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. The driver, Alisha Monique McDaniel, 21, of Natchitoches, was traveling south on Second Street and attempted to turn right onto Bossier Street.
According to initial police reports, the brakes failed causing the impact to the curb then to the home. The impact caused the front porch to shift about a foot along with the foundation pillars. No one was home at the time of the incident. Officials on scene assumed the fuel line ruptured and the van caught fire from underneath.
The Natchitoches Fire Department received the call at 1:35 p.m. and was on scene at 1:37 p.m. and extinguished the blaze. The Natchitoches Police Department was called at 1:32 p.m. and arrived at 1:36 p.m. NRMC EMS ambulance, Public Works and Natchitoches Utilities were also called.
McDaniel was uninjured, as were an infant and a toddler passenger.
McDaniel was cited for careless operation. Initial reports say alcohol and drugs were not believed to be a factor.
EYEWITNESS STATEMENT
“I was going down Second Street and I saw the car was on fire. I was honking at her trying to tell her that her car was on fire,” said Mary Squyres of Natchitoches. “I followed her and saw the crash and helped her out.”
PHOTOS BY HANNAH RICHARDSON