3-car accident leaves one brain dead; 2 hurt

A terrible crash is currently under investigation by Louisiana State Police. The preliminary reports suggest that driver impairment and speeding may have been contributing factors in the wreck.

According to authorities, a 27-year-old man driving a GMC pickup truck crossed the center line smashing head-on into another truck and then striking a third vehicle. The driver and passenger of the GMC truck were both seriously injured. The driver of the truck has since been declared brain dead and the passenger was listed in serious condition at the time this post is written. Authorities believe the two were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the car accident. The crash occurred a day before the start of the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The driver of the clipped third vehicle reacted quickly to dodge the incoming GMC truck, yet was struck on the side-rear panel; he was wearing a seat belt and was not injured. The driver of the vehicle that was hit head-on was also wearing a seat belt and was treated for moderate injuries. Both escaped with their lives but will likely have major financial difficulties for medical care and repair costs.

The Louisiana State Police say the results from toxicology tests done on all the drivers will determine for sure if impairment was a cause in this horrific crash.

As has been noted, this accident occurred as the state was heading into the Labor Day weekend. State police officials took the occasion to call for greater awareness of safety on the state’s roads, noting that the number of deaths on state highways this year has already exceeded all of last year.

Source: KPLC-TV, “LC man involved in Thursday crash near Carlyss dies,” Theresa Schmidt, Aug. 30, 2012