An incident happened near Abita Springs on Tuesday morning when two drivers were killed in a head-on collision that also injured a child, authorities say. According to WGNO, the Louisiana State Police responded to reports of a "severe crash" on Louisiana Highway 36 near Kipp Road at around 6:45 a.m. The crash involved 67-year-old Jeanna Dysart of Abita Springs, in her 2019 Honda Fit, and 29-year-old Samantha Gaines of Pearl River, who was driving a 2020 GMC Acadia.
In a statement obtained by NOLA.com, the initial investigation indicated that Dysart's Honda Fit veered across the center line striking Gaines' vehicle head-on; unfortunately, both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene, Dysart was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, Gaines's seatbelt status was uncertain, and the highway was subsequently closed for an investigation but has since been reopened.
A child, who was a passenger in the Acadia, was injured in the incident and received aid from a passerby until medical personnel could provide further care. As noted by WWLTV, the child was properly restrained in the vehicle and sustained moderate injuries. State Police confirmed that they have taken routine toxicology samples for analysis as part of their ongoing investigation into the exact cause of the accident.
The Louisiana State Police have collected routine toxicology samples to better understand the full circumstances surrounding the collision, confirming that the investigation into the accident is ongoing.
