OPELOUSAS – A Sunset man died early Sunday when he could not get out of an overturned vehicle before it was struck by an on-coming SUV.

According to State Police, Steven Francis, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 1 a.m accident on La. 93 near its intersection with Suncan Road in southern St. Landry Parish.

According to Trooper Stephen Hammons with State Police Troop I, Francis was a passenger in a southbound 2001 Mitsubishi Montero driven by John Broussard, 25, of Cankton.

“For reasons still under investigation, Broussard ran off the right side of the roadway then over corrected causing the vehicle to roll over,” Hammons said.

The vehicle came to rest on its roof in the middle of the roadway. Broussard was able to get out of the vehicle though Francis remained inside.

The car was then struck by a northbound 2004 Ford Expedition driven by Justin Chavis, 31, of Opelousas.

“Chavis’ vehicle struck the passenger side of the Mitsubishi, causing both vehicles to travel off the road and into a ditch on the east side of the road,” Hammon said.

He said Francis died as a result of injuries sustained in the second crash.

Broussard and Chavis sustained minor injuries in their crashes and were transported to local hospitals.