Young driver playing 'drift' game crashes in Central, police say

CENTRAL, La. (WAFB) – Central Police has issued a warning about a dangerous new social media challenge that officers say caused a major crash on Central Thruway.

According to police, a northbound vehicle went off the road Monday afternoon, Oct. 28, as it approached the intersection of Central Thruway and Frenchtown Road. The vehicle crossed the median and struck a southbound vehicle before stopping and catching fire.

The Central Police has warned of a dangerous new challenge on social media... — Central Police have issued a warning about a dangerous new social media challenge that officers say caused a major crash on Central Thruway.(Central Police)

Police said statements from witnesses and the drivers involved indicate the northbound driver was playing a “drift” game or challenge on the social media platforms TikTok and YouTube when he lost control of the vehicle.

Witnesses reported seeing the northbound vehicle weave back and forth repeatedly as far as O’Neal Lane before entering the city. They said the vehicle would sometimes “brake” other cars on the road.

According to officials, drift is loosely defined as intentional oversteer that results in a loss of traction.

Police are urging parents to warn their children against taking part in the highly dangerous activity.

“A young driver found out tonight that these challenges have real consequences,” police said. “Fortunately for everyone involved, no one was seriously injured.”

The crash caused a partial closure of Central Thruway.

Click here report a typo. Add the headline.

Click here to subscribe to our daily WAFB 9 News digest and breaking news alerts delivered right to your email inbox.