| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 986 | 2013-02-05 | Troop A | Ventress Resident Killed in Fatal Crash Involving a School Bus |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A NEWS RELEASE February 5, 2013 Ventress Resident Killed in Fatal Crash Involving a School Bus Ventress – This morning shortly before 7:30 am, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on LA Hwy 415 north of LA Hwy 414 in Pointe Coupee Parish. The crash took the life of 38 year old Ventress resident Jody T. Harris. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Harris was driving a 2004 Toyota 4-Runner northbound on LA Hwy 415. For unknown reasons, Harris failed to negotiate a right hand curve causing her 4-Runner to cross the centerline into the southbound lane of travel. Upon doing so, her 4-Runner struck a southbound 1992 Ford school bus being driven by 46 year old Ventress resident Laurie OLIN DE head-on. Despite the fact that she was wearing a seatbelt, Harris sustained fatal injuries from the crash. Impairment on the part of Harris is unknown at this time. Troopers have submitted a toxicology sample to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. There were nine elementary children and an adult aid on the school bus at the time of the crash. Three of the children along with Olinde sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals. This crash remains under investigation. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, Troopers urge the public to remain vigilant while driving. NEVER drive a motor vehicle when impaired or fatigued. Avoid distracting activities, especially the temptations of electronic devices that can substantially divert a driver’s attention away from the road. In times of inclement weather such as rain or heavy fog, Troopers remind drivers to turn on their headlights and reduce their speed of their vehicles. Contact Information: TFC Jared L. Sandifer Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit 225-754-8524 jared.sandifer@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||