Two people who stopped to help someone were hit by cars and killed in Jefferson Parish, state police say.
Troopers say the two people died around 9:40 p.m. on U.S. 90 eastbound in Jefferson Parish. They both had stopped to help someone who had been in a single-vehicle crash a few minutes before, troopers say.
Police say the two who died were Ruby Roman, 53, of Harvey and another person who hasn't been identified pending notification of next of kin.
The first crash happened near MacArthur Avenue in Marrero, and left the vehicle disabled in the roadway. Several motorists stopped to help the person in that vehicle, and as they were trying to help they were hit by a 2001 Ford Expedition that was traveling eastbound on the highway, troopers said.
For reasons still under investigation, the pedestrians were struck by the Expedition, resulting in severe injuries. Roman along with the other pedestrian were both pronounced deceased on the scene as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.
The driver of the Expedition was properly restrained and uninjured.
Impairment on part of the driver of the Expedition is not suspected, however, a standard toxicology sample was taken and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for further analysis. This crash remains under investigation and there is no further information at this time.
Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and walking a safe distance from travel lanes while facing oncoming traffic could help prevent many pedestrian related crashes. Operate under the assumption that motorist cannot see you as speed and time perception can be deceptive while standing on or near a roadway. Motorists that witness hazardous or dangerous situations are urged to dial *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police.
