Two Die in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-12 Near Covington

On Wednesday, August 19, 2020 after 5:00 pm, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash on Interstate 12 eastbound at LA 1077 in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 23-year-old Artur R. Akhmedov of Lakewood Washington and 25-year-old Palina Kretava of Chesapeake Virginia.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that Akhmedov was eastbound on interstate 12 in a 2005 Toyota 4Runner when he began to slow due to congestion in front of him. Kretava was in the front right seat of Akhmedov’s vehicle. A 2016 Kia Sorrento driven by 36-year-old Glauber G. DaSllva was eastbound on I-12 behind Akhmedov and, for reasons still under investigation, did not slow down due to the congested traffic. The Kia Sorrento ran into the rear of the Toyota 4Runner. Force from that impact pushed the 4Runner forward where it impacted a 2019 Volvo tractor trailer. Akhmedov was unrestrained and transported to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries. Kretava was unrestrained and sustained fatal injuries in the crash. She was pronounced deceased on scene. 

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. As a part of the ongoing investigation, blood samples were taken from DaSllva and Akhmedov for scientific analysis. DaSllva was cited for Careless Operation. The crash investigation is on-going and any further charges will be forwarded to the St. Tammany District Attorney’s office for review.

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists to make good, safe decisions such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, obeying the speed limit, and avoiding all distractions which can often mean the difference between life and death. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained.