Tragedy struck Washington Parish yesterday evening when a two-vehicle collision resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including two children, and left three more injured. According to WGNO, Louisiana State Police were called to the scene of the crash on Louisiana Highway 25 near Stafford Road around 6:30 p.m. The initial investigation suggested that a Chevy Tahoe driving south collided head-on with a Chevy Silverado traveling north.
The driver of the Tahoe, identified as 42-year-old Tequilla Santee, was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. Two children in the Tahoe, however, were not restrained and were among the deceased, reported NOLA.com. The two other passengers in the Tahoe sustained serious injuries and were urgently transported to the hospital. Logan Schmalz, the 18-year-old driver of the Silverado, was also wearing his seatbelt but sustained critical injuries and was rushed to local medical facilities.
As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were collected from both drivers. The findings from these tests, along with the rest of the investigation, will be sent to the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s office to determine if any criminal or traffic violations occurred, as detailed by FOX8Live. The final results will dictate the next steps in this grave sequence of events.
In wake of this and countless other incidents, Louisiana State Police continue to urge all drivers and passengers to consistently wear seatbelts. It's a simple but critical precaution that can easily to be the difference between life and death in the tragic event of a road accident.
