Speed believed a factor in fatal crash
Published 10:58 am Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Two brothers were killed last week in a high-speed crash that occurred a half mile from their residence in Isabel.
The crash occurred Wednesday, April 30 at approximately 6:45 p.m. on South Choctaw Road.
Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Raymond Myers, the officer who worked the accident, said the two occupants, Ismael Mendoza, 31, and Armando Mendoza, 37, were traveling northbound in a Ford pickup.
The vehicle left the roadway, entering a ditch on the east side of South Choctaw. It appears the driver, Ismael Mendoza, may have overcorrected, causing him to lose control, Meyers said.
The vehicle made impact with a tree, and both occupants were fatally injured. They were pronounced dead on the scene, he said.
Meyers said the driver was not restrained, but his passenger was wearing his seatbelt.
The vehicle was traveling at an estimated speed of 65-75 miles per hour, on a roadway where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour.
Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash, but toxicology reports are pending, Meyers said.
In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, responding agencies included Northshore EMS and Fire District 7. The Louisiana State Police provided assistance, as well.
Meyers advises citizens to wear their seatbelts anytime they are in a vehicle. Every crash is different, and a seatbelt provides extra protection in case of an accident, he said.