UPDATE: State police are releasing the identity of the victim involved in a fatal crash near the St. Martin/Lafayette Parish line today.
Troopers arrived on the scene shortly before 1:45 p.m. They say 17-year-old Grace Gonsoulin, of New Iberia, was driving westbound on LA 96 when, for unknown reasons, she crossed the center lines and hit a truck traveling eastbound. Subsequently, Gonsoulin’s car was hit by another car traveling behind the truck in the eastbound lane.
Despite the fact Gonsoulin was wearing a seat belt, she sustained fatal injuries, according to a spokesman with Troop I. Two passengers in Gonsoulin’s car sustained moderate to serious injuries.
Here’s a post from Gonsoulin’s high school:
The driver of the truck was wearing a seat belt and sustained moderate to serious injuries. Four passengers in the truck also sustained moderate to serious injuries.
The driver of the car traveling behind the truck was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.
Investigators don’t believe impairment to be a factor in the crash, but toxicology samples were taken from all three drivers.
The crash remains under investigation.
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LA 96 is blocked at its intersection with St. Nazaire Road.
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State police are on the scene of a fatal crash at Hwy. 96 and Dutile Road in St. Martin Parish.
A spokesman is confirming one fatality, and at least five are in critical condition.
This is a developing story.
