Police have released the identities of the victims killed in a Tuesday morning crash in Lafayette.
Preliminary investigation indicates that vehicle #1 was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed in the 100 block of E. Broussard Road, according to a spokesperson for the Lafayette Police Department. Vehicle #2 was stopped at a red light, preparing to turn right onto Johnston Street, when it was struck from behind by vehicle #1. The force of the impact pushed vehicle #2 into vehicle #3, which was stationary and waiting to turn left onto E. Broussard Road from Johnston Street. After the initial collisions, vehicle #1 continued through the intersection and struck a wooden electrical pole.
The crash resulted in three fatalities. The occupants of vehicle #2 have been identified as 36-year-old Cherita Washington and 17-year-old Chase Washington, both of Duson. The driver of vehicle #1, identified as 21-year-old Joseph Prejean, of Lafayette, also died from his injuries. A fourth individual from vehicle #3 is currently in stable condition, according to the spokesperson.
The Lafayette Police Department’s Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation.
Chase attended Lafayette High School. Lafayette Parish School System released the following statement:
The Lafayette Parish School System is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Lafayette High School student and her mother who were killed in a car crash early Tuesday morning.
Our hearts are with the family, friends, classmates, and the entire Lafayette High community as they grieve this devastating loss.
To support students and staff during this difficult time, additional counselors will be available on the Lafayette High campus for anyone who may need support or a space to talk.
LPSS extends its sincere condolences to all who are mourning this loss.
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UPDATE: All roadways are now open for travel. The investigation is still ongoing and information will be released as it becomes available.
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UPDATE: Police have confirmed that three people in two vehicles have died from their injuries at the scene of a major Lafayette intersection.
The driver of a third vehicle sustained minor to moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to police.
The identities of the victims are being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.
Utility crews are currently on-site to repair an electrical pole damaged in the collision.
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes until further notice.
The investigation is still ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
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A fatal multi-vehicle crash has closed a major Lafayette intersection on Tuesday morning.
The Lafayette Police Department responded to the collision in the 6800 block of Johnston Street at E. Broussard Road at around 5:13 a.m.
Emergency responders and LPD Traffic Investigators remain on scene. Police have established a crime scene, and the investigation is ongoing.
Both northbound and southbound Johnston Street at E. Broussard Road are closed to all traffic. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes for the next several hours.
Police say additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.
