The state department of transportation is mourning the loss of one its employees who was killed while fixing potholes near New Iberia.

DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says 63-year-old Paul Featherston was standing behind a dump truck when he was struck by an elderly driver.

"Featherston worked for DOTD for 24 years, providing a service to the state and out of nowhere, this happens," Mallett said.

State Police is investigating the fatal accident. At this time, no charges have been filed against the driver, 88-year-old Allen Olivier of St. Martinville. Mallett says unfortunately the death of a highway construction worker while performing their job happens too often.

"More than 700 folks died across the nation in the Fiscal Year 2015 and 2016 and five of those are right here in Louisiana," Mallett said.

Mallett says it appears this tragic accident could have been prevented as the workers made it clear ongoing road work was taking place.

"They had their lights on and they were flashing, they were wearing their vests and they were doing everything they can to be as visible as possible," Mallett said.

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