Louisiana State Police News V1

LSP Article Full View

Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=1912

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
1912 2012-10-06 Troop B LSP Investigates Double Fatality Crash on I-310

Troop B - NEWS RELEASE

October 6, 2012

LSP Investigates Double Fatality Crash on I-310

This morning, at approximately 7:00 AM, Louisiana State Police Troop B investigated a double fatality crash on I-310 near LA 3127. Preliminary investigation revealed a 1998 Nissan Altima, driven by Reinerio Infante (O/M, age 71) of Jefferson, LA, was stopped on the shoulder of I-310 south with hazard lights activated due to mechanical problems. A 2001 Nissan Xterra, driven by Mario Funez (O/M, age 65) of Metairie, LA, was stopped on the shoulder in front of the 1998 Nissan Altima. Mario Funez had exited his vehicle and was providing assistance to the occupants of the 1998 Nissan Altima.

A 2011 Nissan Altima, driven by Jermey Gullage (B/M, age 20) of Boutte, LA, was traveling on I-310 south and for unknown reasons drifted onto the right shoulder and impacted the rear of the 1998 Nissan Altima. The 1998 Nissan Altima was pushed off the road to the right. The 2011 Nissan Altima then struck Mario Funez and sideswiped the Xterra. Funez and Sandra Gonzales, a passenger in the 1998 Nissan Altima, were pronounced dead on the scene. There were several occupants in each vehicle and their information is as follows:

1998 Nissan Altima:
Infante and the two surviving passengers were transported to the LSU Interim Public Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center with minor injuries.
Front seat passenger: Margarita Infante (O/F, age64) of Jefferson, LA, minor injuries

      Rear seat left side: Sandra Gonzales (O/F, age 59) of New Orleans, LA pronounced dead on the scene
Rear seat right side: Haydee Pineda (O/F, age 59) of Harahan, LA, minor injuries

2001 Nissan Xterra:
Front seat passenger: Odilia Funez (O/F, age 41) of Metairie, LA, no injuries
Second seat left side: 7 year old juvenile, child safety seat used, no injuries
Second seat right side: 4 year old juvenile, child safety used, no injuries

2011 Nissan Altima:
Gullage and Williams were both transported to East Jefferson Hospital with minor injuries.
Front seat passenger: Jamaal Williams (B/M, age 21) of Boutte, LA, minor injuries

Speed and impairment are not suspected as factors in the crash, however Gullage and Infante submitted to blood tests and results are pending. Fatigue is suspected as a factor for Gullage and charges are pending.

While Troopers continue their investigation into the crash, motorists are urged to remain vigilant at all times when driving. Driver attention and focus is especially critical during early morning hours when visibility is limited and driver fatigue is most common. Making poor decisions in a vehicle such as driving while fatigued, driving while distracted, or not wearing a seat belt leads to serious injuries and deaths every day across the state. Making the responsible decision can mean the difference between life and death.

Contact the Louisiana State Police by dialing *LSP or (*577) on your cell phone to report impaired drivers and dangerous roadway conditions.

Contact Information:

TFC Melissa Matey
Public Affairs Unit
Louisiana State Police – Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2780
melissa.matey@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org

No attachments for this article.