A Slidell man was killed and four others injured in a four-vehicle crash near Amite Saturday afternoon.
Earl Jones Jr., 57, died in the Interstate 55 crash, State Police said.
The accident happened about 2:25 p.m. on the Interstate, south of La. 16.
Two motorcycles were traveling north in the left lane; Jones was riding a Honda and Ronald Cagler, 60, of Picayune, Miss., was riding a Harley Davidson. Jones was slightly ahead. A Chevrolet Malibu, driven by a 43-year-old woman from Mangham was in front of the motorcycles. The bikes were traveling at a higher rate of speed and crashed into the rear of the Malibu, State Police say.
The Harley Davidson ran off the road to the left, back on the roadway, and flipped, ejecting Cagler onto the road. The Honda traveled off the road to the left, ejecting Jones, State Police say.
The Malibu then traveled into the right lane and crashed into a Toyota pick-up being driven by a 70-year-old French Settlement man. They both traveled off the road to the right.
Jones was pronounced dead on-scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office, due to injuries sustained in the crash. Blood was obtained and will be submitted to the LSP Crime Lab for analysis. Jones was wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash, State Police say.
Cagler was taken to North Oaks Medical Center, to receive treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. Blood was obtained and will be submitted to the LSP Crime Lab for analysis. Cagler was cited for Careless Operation. He was wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash.
The lady in the Malibu, along with her 13-year-old passengern were taken to North Oaks Medical Center, to receive treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. Blood was obtained from the driver and will be submitted to the LSP Crime Lab for analysis. Neither the driver nor the passenger, were wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash, State Police say.
The man in the truck was taken to North Oaks Medical Center, to receive treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. Blood was obtained and will be submitted to the LSP Crime Lab for analysis. He was properly restrained at the time of the crash, State Police say.
Troopers would like to remind all motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. Please take a moment to speak with your loved ones about the importance of their safe decisions. Remind them to always wear a seatbelt, never drive impaired, and to avoid distractions. The conversation could be the difference in a serious crash.
