| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 989 | 2013-01-29 | Troop A | Driver Charged in Six Vehicle Serious Injury Crash |
| TROOP A NEWS RELEASE January 29, 2013 Driver Charged in Six Vehicle Serious Injury Crash Geismar - This morning shortly before 6:30 am, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a six vehicle serious injury crash that occurred on LA Hwy 30 at LA Hwy 73 in Ascension Parish. The crash involved two tractor-trailer trucks and four passenger vehicles, and caused a portion of LA Hwy 30 south of Gonzales to be closed for more than 4 hours. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 35 year old Derrick W. Myles of Plaquemine was driving a 1996 Peterbilt tractor-trailer northbound on LA Hwy 30. Myles failed to stop while approaching the intersection of LA Hwy 30 and LA Hwy 73, and his Peterbilt rear-ended a 2007 Honda Civic that was stopping in traffic at the red light of the intersection. After striking the Civic, Myles’ tractor-trailer and the Civic continued forward striking a 2003 Ford Explorer. This impact caused the Explorer to strike a 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck before crossing into the southbound lanes and overturning, coming to rest in the southbound lanes. Myles’ tractor-trailer and the Civic continued to travel forward, striking a 2003 GMC Sierra pickup truck on the drivers’ side. This impact pushed the GMC Sierra into a 2006 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. After the multiple collisions, Myles’ tractor-trailer, the Honda Civic, the red GMC Sierra pickup truck and the second tractor-trailer came to rest crushed together. All drivers involved were properly restrained at the time of the crash. The driver of the Honda Civic was transported from the scene to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with serious injuries. He remains in stable condition at this time. All other drivers involved suffered only minor to moderate injuries because of the crash. Driver impairment on the part of Myles is unknown at this time; however, Troopers have submitted a toxicology sample from him to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Myles has been charged with Reckless Operation and four counts of Negligent Injuring. He was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail. Further charges may be pending, and 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. Contact Information: TFC Jared L. Sandifer Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (225) 754-8524 jared.sandifer@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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