Four people were seriously injured after a possibly reckless driver crashed through the front doors of the Post Office in downtown Youngsville.
The driver – whose name was not released – apparently hopped a curve, smashed through the doors, barreled through the lobby, and eventually came to rest against the front counter. One victim was pinned between the car and the counter for quite some time before first responders arrived. Authorities believe that the other three victims were all postal workers or post office patrons.
The crash is still under investigation. [Read more…] about Runaway Car In Youngsville
Deadman’s Curve?
Louisiana State Police are investigating the seventh traffic fatality of 2016 – and the second drowsy driving-related wreck – on a single stretch of State Highway 27 in the western part of the Bayou State.
Between Sulpher and DeQuincy, S.H. 27 is very windy in the south and there is an elbow curve in the north. It was in this curvy part not far from DeQuincy that 23-year-old Jasmine Phillips crossed from the northbound to the southbound side. “We suspect Ms. Phillips nodded off,” commented Sergeant James Anderson of LSP Troop D. She collided with a southbound truck driven by 23-year-old Cody Massie, of Singer. Ms. Phillips was declared dead at the scene; Mr. Massie was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries. In February 2016, 18-year-old Charlee Smith, of DeQuincy, crossed from the northbound to the southbound side at almost the exact same spot. She collided with 17-year-old Lauren LeBlanc, of DeQuincy. Both women were killed almost instantly, and authorities speculate that fatigued driving was the cause of that crash as well. [Read more…] about Deadman’s Curve?
Industrial Accident Triggers Investigation And Fine At Plant
The Department of Labor found fifteen serious violations at a Center, Texas Tyson Foods plant, and fined the company $263,000.
Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration toured the poultry plant earlier this year, after OSHA received reports that a worker’s finger was amputated following an industrial accident. The worker tried to clear a belt jam by removing chicken parts, and doctors had to amputate a severely cut finger. Investigators ultimately cited the Arkansas-based company for a number of life-threatening violations, including improper safeguards on moving parts, dangerously high carbon dioxide levels, insufficient worker safety precautions, and improper compressed natural gas storage. Some violations were repeat violations, as this Tyson plant was also inspected and fined in 2012. [Read more…] about Industrial Accident Triggers Investigation And Fine At Plant
Deadly Day On Lafayette-Area Roads
Three people died in two car crashes in one day in St. Landry Parish.
The first wreck occurred in the overnight hours on Interstate 49 outside of Opelousas. Authorities state that 34-year-old Josie Robertson was northbound when she crossed over to the southbound side and struck 24-year-old Tyler Compton nearly head-on. Ms. Robertson was pronounced dead at the scene; Ms. Compton was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, but doctors couldn’t save her. Neither woman was wearing a seat belt.
The next fatal crash occurred several hours later near the intersection of State Highway 93 and Roy Road in rural St. Landry Parish. Aaron Guidry was apparently walking in the middle of southbound SH 93 while wearing a light-colored top and black shorts. A motorist, whose name was not released, hit him and killed him. [Read more…] about Deadly Day On Lafayette-Area Roads
Fatal Car Crash Near Natchitoches
A man is dead after a high-speed, head-on crash on Interstate 49 that may have been either speed or alcohol related.
According to Louisiana State Police, 18-year-old Deytwan Demetrius, of Fort Polk, was southbound on Interstate 49 just south of State Highway 485 when he lost control of his vehicle, careened through the median, and smashed into a northbound automobile driven by 39-year-old Jabe Maddox, of Longview. Mr. Maddox was declared dead at the scene; Mr. Demetrius and a passenger – 18-year-old Trevon Lewis, of Leesville – were both transported to a local hospital with various injuries.
Charges against Mr. Maddox, as well as the results from toxicology tests, are pending. [Read more…] about Fatal Car Crash Near Natchitoches
The Long Road Back
Just over a year after a Lake Charles teenager sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car crash, he is leaving the hospital and going back to school for his senior year.
17-year-old Luke Burnham has been at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston ever since he was hit by a car while jogging. At first, doctors worried that the soccer player and cross-country runner would not survive the crash, and if he did, his brain injury would make him a vegetable. Initially, their fears seemed to be well-founded, because Mr. Burnham could only communicate by looking at “yes-no” cards and could not move, other than to straighten one index finger. But after aggressive treatment and therapy, he is ready to go back to school this fall. Although he is somewhat behind, Mr. Burnham took summer school classes, so he should be able to graduate with his peers.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all my friends again and all my teachers,” he remarked. [Read more…] about The Long Road Back