| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7904 | 2015-10-22 | Troop L | Fatal Crash Involving 18-Wheeler on US 190 in Covington |
Troop L - NEWS RELEASE October 22nd, 2015 Fatal Crash Involving 18-Wheeler on US 190 in Covington Covington, LA- At approximately 1:30 AM on Thursday October 22nd , 2015, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash on US 190 at the intersection of Park Place Dr. in Covington. The driver of a Chevrolet Metro died in the crash. His identity is being withheld pending notification to his next of kin. Crash scene investigators were able to determine that an 18-Wheeler driven by 49 year-old Gustavo Morales Gomez of Laredo, TX was traveling southbound on US 190 preparing to make a U-turn onto US 190 northbound at the intersection of Park Place Dr. Gomez disregarded a red light and his tractor trailer entered into the northbound travel lanes of US 190 directly into the path of an oncoming Chevrolet Metro. The Chevrolet Metro crashed head-on into the right side of the 18-wheeler’s trailer. The driver of the Metro was not restrained at the time of the crash. He sustained severe injuries and was transported to Lakeview Hospital in critical condition. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the driver succumbed to his injuries. Presently, Troopers do not suspect impairment to have been a factor in this crash. A blood sample was obtained from the decedent and will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Gomez provided Troopers with a voluntary breath sample with no trace amounts of alcohol. Troopers charged Gomez with Ignoring Traffic Control [Red Signal] and Negligent Homicide. He was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail. The crash remains under investigation. One of the most difficult aspects of a fatal crash scene investigation is witnessing firsthand the devastation and tragic loss experienced by all parties involved. There are no winners in a fatal crash. Please do your part to assist law enforcement by talking to your loved ones, especially young drivers, about the importance of wearing a seatbelt, eliminating distractions and never driving impaired. By practicing what you teach, young drivers are more likely to emulate these safe practices. Contact Information: TFC Dustin Dwight | |||
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