| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7016 | 2017-07-03 | Troop I | Highway Construction Worker Killed in Iberia Parish Crash |
TROOP I NEWS RELEASE July 3, 2017 Highway Construction Worker Killed in Iberia Parish Crash Iberia Parish – Shortly before 9:00 am, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a two vehicle fatality crash on LA 31 just north of the city limits of New Iberia. The crash claimed the life of a New Iberia resident who worked for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Unfortunately, this is the third fatal crash during the Independence Day holiday that Troopers have investigated. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 25 year old DOTD worker Markell Jenkins was stopped in the northbound lane of LA 31 near Greenbriar St. in a 1999 International dump truck. The vehicle was displaying warning lights while a work crew was conducting road repairs. At the same time, 88 year old Allen Olivier of St. Martinville was traveling north on LA 31 in a 2013 Dodge Ram pickup truck. 63 year old DOTD employee Paul V. Featherston was standing behind the dump truck working on the roadway. For unknown reasons, Olivier failed to notice the dump truck stopped in the lane of travel. Olivier’s vehicle struck Featherston as he stood behind the dump truck, then struck the rear of the dump truck. Featherston sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office. Olivier was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. He sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Jenkins was not wearing a seat belt and refused medical attention on scene. Impairment is not suspected, but a toxicology sample was taken from Olivier and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Jenkins voluntarily submitted a breath sample and was not impaired. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of driving with caution in roadway construction zones. Especially during the heavily traveled Independence Day holiday, drivers should slow down when approaching work zones and follow posted speed limits, warning signs, and flagmen directions. Drivers should also be sober, resist distractions and remain aware of their surroundings as there are often workers inside construction zones on our highways. Always remain vigilant and expect the unexpected as workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane or come to a stop suddenly. | |||
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