Vehicle overturns in creek, driver killed
Published 8:39 am Monday, October 29, 2018
- Deputies investigate the scene of a crash Thursday morning, where a female driver was killed after her vehicle crashed into a creek near South Choctaw Road.
A woman lost her life in a single-vehicle crash in Washington Parish on Thursday, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Haley said that the WPSO responded Thursday morning to a report of a vehicle that had left the roadway of South Choctaw Road and overturned in a creek, possibly trapping the driver inside. The weather was rainy at the time. The WPSO responded along with District 7 and 8 Fire Districts, Franklinton Fire Department and Northshore EMS.
Upon arriving at the scene, WPSO Lt. Terry Harris removed his outer uniform shirt and equipment and entered the creek along with a bystander and firefighter, Haley said. The front section of the vehicle was totally submerged in the cold creek water, which was higher than usual due to heavy rain.
Haley said that the men were able to turn the vehicle upright, at which time two firefighters removed the female driver through the window of the vehicle and carried her to a waiting ambulance. No other persons were in the vehicle.
Ambulance personnel provided medical assistance to the driver and were able to obtain a pulse before transferring her to Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton, Haley said. She then was transferred from Riverside to North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond where she expired.
Haley said that the cause of the accident has not been determined.
“Road conditions were not good and it is speculated that the driver perhaps hydroplaned or otherwise lost control of her vehicle in the curve, before it plunged off of the roadway and into the creek,” Haley said. “Speed is not suspected as a factor.”
Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal praised the work of all first responders who were on the scene.
“Although a cold rain was falling and the water level of the creek was elevated due to rain in the area, the first responders did not hesitate to enter the icy cold water to rescue the driver,” Seal said. “I applaud them for their heroic efforts in the midst of very trying circumstances. Unfortunately, the driver did not survive. I ask all of our citizens to join with me in prayer and support for the victim’s family.”