Tragedy struck on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans as the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is actively investigating a two-car collision that resulted in one fatality last evening. According to information provided by the NOPD News, the incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. when a Ford Fusion, reportedly speeding, collided with the rear of a Nissan Maxima before losing control and hitting a tree and telephone pole.
The vehicular flip following the initial collisions added a disastrous end to the sequence. Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene and transported a severely injured woman from the Ford to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. A male passenger from the same vehicle was hospitalized with minor injuries, though it remains unclear who was driving at the time of the accident.
Adding another layer to this already complex scene, one of the individuals from the Ford Fusion is set to face charges unrelated to the crash but stemming from an altercation at the scene. "Investigators say upon his release he will be facing charges of battery of a police officer stemming from a fight with police shortly after they arrived to assist and investigate the crash," as reported by the NOPD News. The occupants of the Nissan remained uninjured, and officials have yet to release any details about potential factors contributing to the driver's loss of control.
The fatal outcome of this incident requires the involvement of the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office, which will determine the official cause of death and release the deceased's identity after notifying the family. NOPD Traffic Division Fatality Investigators are leading the ongoing investigation and are asking for the community's help. "Anyone with additional information that can assist in this ongoing investigation is urged to contact NOPD Traffic Division Fatality Investigators at 504-658-6210," as per the NOPD statement. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.
