The New Orleans Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into a tragic traffic accident that occurred in the city's Fifth District. According to an NOPD news release, the incident took place on Tuesday and involved a fatal collision between a vehicle and two pedestrians at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and North Dorgenois Street, just shy of the Interstate 10 on-ramp, around 8:10 p.m. The accident resulted in one death and left another individual in critical condition.
Investigative findings so far have indicated that the driver of a Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on Elysian Fields when two pedestrians unexpectedly attempted to cross the thoroughfare. Despite having the green light, the driver claimed to have been unable to avoid striking the two individuals. The NOPD shared the driver's statement in a recent press release. One victim, an adult male, was declared dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A second victim, an adult female, was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries.
The driver implicated in the incident remained at the scene and has been reported to be cooperating fully with law enforcement as they continue to delve into the circumstances surrounding the collision. NOPD Traffic Fatality Investigator Richard Chambers has been assigned to lead the ongoing inquiry into this somber affair.
The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office is tasked with determining the precise cause of death for the deceased victim, whose identification will be released upon notification of next of kin. The NOPD has not yet provided additional details regarding the accident or the current condition of the surviving pedestrian. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing event, the NOPD is asking anyone with information to come forward to aid in completing the puzzle of this unfortunate tragedy.
