| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1295 | 2012-01-18 | Troop A | Single-Vehicle Crash and Fire Claim Life of Sulphur Man |
TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE January 18, 2012 Single-Vehicle Crash and Fire Claim Life of Sulphur Man West Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a single-vehicle fatal crash last night in West Baton Rouge Parish. The crash occurred shortly after 6:30 pm on Interstate 10 eastbound, approximately eight miles west of LA 415. Immediately following the crash, the vehicle burst into flames and rescuers were unable to pull the driver from the fire. Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that John Tarasiewicz (W/M, age 51) of Sulphur, was driving a 2008 Ford pickup east on I-10 near milepost 145 in the left lane when he ran off the roadway to the left. As the pickup entered the median, Tarasiewicz attempted to steer back onto the roadway and lost control of the vehicle. The pickup began to rotate clockwise through the median and then struck a concrete drainage culvert. After striking the culvert, the pickup became airborne, landed on its driver’s side, and burst into flames. Tarasiewicz was pronounced deceased on the scene by the West Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office. There were no other occupants in the vehicle. Troopers do not suspect alcohol to have been a factor in this crash; however, a sample of Tarasiewicz’s blood has been submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. It is unknown why the pickup ran off the roadway, and the crash remains under investigation. The motoring public is encouraged to pay attention to the roadway when driving. Distracted and impaired driving are common causes of fatal and serious injury crashes across the state year after year. While the instances of fatal crashes have decreased over the past few years, Troopers remind motorists to remain cautious and alert while behind the wheel. All drivers can help the fight against impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving by making good decisions every time they get into a vehicle and by reporting dangerous conditions to law enforcement. By dialing *LSP (*577) from a cellular phone, you can reach the Troop in your area. Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II | |||
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