| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1329 | 2016-10-14 | Troop B | Troopers Investigate Fatal Crash on Interstate 55 in St. John Parish |
TROOP B - NEWS RELEASE October 14, 2016 Troopers Investigate Fatal Crash on Interstate 55 in St. John Parish Ruddock, LA- Shortly after 5:00 PM on Thursday October 13, 2016, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop B were dispatched to a two vehicle fatal crash on the Interstate 55 High-Rise near Ruddock, LA. The crash claimed the life of 49 year-old Elizabeth J. Manis of McComb, MS. The preliminary investigation led Troopers to determine that Manis was driving a Toyota northbound on Interstate 55 in the right lane. John M. Lucas, a 45 year-old resident of Greensburg, LA., was driving a 1997 Mazda pick-up northbound on Interstate 55 in the left lane. For reasons still under investigation, Lucas merged into the right lane and crashed into the rear of Manis’s vehicle. The collision sent Manis’ vehicle into the right bridge rail, before coming to final rest in the right northbound lane. After coming to final rest, Manis’ vehicle caught fire. Passing motorists stopped at the scene and were able to remove Manis from her vehicle before it became fully engulfed in flames. Manis was transported to North Oaks Health Systems in critical condition. Shortly after her arrival, Manis succumbed to the injuries she sustained in the crash. John M. Lucas, the driver of the Mazda pick-up, sustained minor injuries in the crash. He refused transport to the hospital. As part of the on-going investigation, Troopers obtained a voluntary blood sample form Lucas. The sample will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. The crash remains under investigation and criminal charges are pending consultation with St. Johns District Attorney’s Office. Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. While this crash remains under investigation, early indications point to the possibility of drowsy driving being a contributing factor. According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over the last decade, more than 7,000 motorists have been killed in drowsy-driving-related crashes. In fact, drowsy driving is a form of impaired driving that negatively affects a person’s ability to drive safely. Troopers implore motorists to stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip, especially if you’re driving alone.
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