DESOTO PARISH, La. — Authorities say a Texas man was killed early Saturday morning in a crash involving a saltwater tanker in DeSoto Parish. The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Zapien German of Carthage, Texas.
According to the Louisiana State Police (LSP), the collision occurred shortly after 2:30 a.m. along U.S. Highway 84, just west of Mansfield. Investigators said German was driving a pickup truck when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle collided head-on with a saltwater tanker traveling in the opposite direction.
Emergency crews from DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments rushed to the scene. Despite immediate response efforts, German was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tanker sustained minor injuries and was treated by medical personnel before being released.
LSP troopers said seatbelt use and impairment are both factors under review. Toxicology samples were collected from both drivers as part of the routine investigative process, and results are pending. The tanker truck did not leak hazardous materials, but the highway was closed for several hours while crews worked to clear the wreckage and ensure the roadway was safe for travel.
Neighbors in the rural community reported hearing the impact from a distance and later saw emergency lights flooding the stretch of highway. “It was a terrible sound in the middle of the night,” one resident said. “When we saw all the responders, we knew it was something serious.”
German’s death highlights ongoing safety concerns on Highway 84, a route heavily used by commercial trucks and oilfield traffic. Local officials and residents have long pushed for safety improvements in the area, citing narrow lanes and limited lighting as contributing factors to crashes.
As word spread of German’s passing, friends and family in Carthage shared memories of a man known for his strong work ethic and devotion to loved ones. Social media posts described him as a dedicated father, a caring friend, and someone whose absence will be deeply felt in the East Texas community.
The Louisiana State Police urged all drivers to remain alert, avoid impaired driving, and wear seatbelts at all times. “This is another tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on our roadways,” an LSP spokesperson said.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time. Funeral arrangements for Zapien German are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.
