| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 278 | 2015-11-06 | Troop A | Lafayette Man Dies after Rear-Ending 18-Wheeler on Interstate 10 in Iberville Parish |
TROOP A-NEWS RELEASE November 6, 2015 Lafayette Man Dies after Rear-Ending 18-Wheeler on Interstate 10 in Iberville Parish Ramah, LA – At approximately 4:00 am on November 6, 2015, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatality crash that occurred on Interstate 10 eastbound west of the Ramah (LA 3000) in Iberville Parish. The crash took the life of 50 year old Alton Ortega of Lafayette, LA. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that a previous crash had occurred on Interstate 10 eastbound at mile post 133 involving two 18-wheelers. After the initial crash, both 18-wheelers were stopped in the right lane of Interstate 10 eastbound with their emergency triangles leading up to the crash scene. Minutes later, Ortega, driving a 2003 Ford Escape, approached the crash scene in the right lane. As Ortega approached the first stopped 18-wheeler, he steered into the left lane and avoided striking it. Ortega then steered back into the right lane and struck the trailer of a 2015 International 18-wheeler driven by 53 year old Charles Spotts of Leaksville, LA. Ortega sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Iberville Parish Coroner’s Office. Spotts received moderate injuries in the crash and was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained and impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. A toxicology sample will be taken from both drivers for analysis. Louisiana State Troopers want to inform motorists that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in our state. Distractions can be caused by cell phones, passengers, and many other things inside of our vehicles. There are many unexpected dangers on our roadways ranging from debris in our lane, to traffic coming to a sudden stop due to congestion. These are all potential hazards that we lose the ability to avoid when we drive distracted and our attention is taken away from the road. Through remaining vigilant and avoiding all distractions while behind the wheel, drivers can do their part to ensure the safety of everyone while on Louisiana roadways. | |||
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