| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8038 | 2013-01-13 | Troop L | Troopers Investigate Double Fatality Crash on Interstate 55 |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP L NEWS RELEASE January 13, 2013 Troopers Investigate Double Fatality Crash on Interstate 55 Tangipahoa Parish- Earlier this evening at approximately 6:30pm, a two vehicle crash near the northbound end of the Interstate 55 high rise in Ponchatoula took the lives of two young Mississippi residents. Troopers’ investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer, driven by 23 year old Brandon Hampton of Clinton, MS, was traveling north in the right lane of Interstate 55. Traveling alongside the Mercury was a 1999 Mack 18 wheeler in the left northbound lane. As both vehicles continued northbound, the Mercury, for unknown reasons, drifted left across the center dashed line and sideswiped the right side of the 18 wheeler. Upon impact, Hampton overcorrected to the right causing the vehicle to run off road and overturn as it entered a canal along the east side of the interstate. Once in the canal, the Mercury came to rest upside down in approximately five feet of water. Driver of the Mack 18 wheeler, 47 year old Steven Dardar of Houma, LA, was wearing a seat belt and received no injuries in the crash. He submitted to a breath alcohol test showing no detectable signs of alcohol in his system. Both Hampton and front seat passenger in the Mercury, 23 year old Amanda Booker of Jackson, MS, were unable to exit the vehicle following the crash and were pronounced dead. Impairment is unknown at this time pending the results of a toxicology examination. While the crash remains under investigation, drivers are reminded to slow down and take extra precautions during times of inclement weather as decreased traction on wet roadways combined with dangerous driving behavior often leads to tragic events. Troopers see first-hand the consequences of careless driving far too often while investigating crashes. Motorists are urged to remain vigilant when hazardous road conditions are present and never drive while distracted, fatigued, or impaired. Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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