Norco crash leaves 3 dead
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 29, 2013
BY KIMBERLY HOPSON
L’Observateur
NORCO – Shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday morning, Louisiana State Police Troop B was notified of a fatal crash on U.S. Highway 61 at Louisiana Highway 627, or Prospect Avenue, in Norco in St. Charles Parish. Five people were involved in the crash. Three died from injuries sustained at the scene while the two remaining victims were hospitalized.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Jennifer Englade, 40, of LaPlace was operating a 2006 Pontiac G6 northbound on U.S. 61 and for unknown reasons crossed the raised median. As the Pontiac entered the southbound lanes of travel, the Pontiac was struck on its right side by a 2001 Honda Civic,
driven by Romishe Mejia-Fequier, 23 of Harvey. Englade was wearing a seat belt and was transported to the Interim LSU Public Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center. Romishe Mejia-Fequier was pronounced dead on the scene. She was also wearing a seat belt.
Joshua Jones, 29 of Sulphur was the front seat passenger in the Pontiac. He was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle upon impact and pronounced dead on the scene. Mejia Medena, 20 of Harvey was the front seat passenger of the Honda. He was wearing a seat belt and sustained critical injuries and was transported to the Level 1 Trauma Center. Esther Centeno, 20 of Bridge City was the right rear passenger in the Honda and was pregnant. Centeno was wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Speed and impairment are suspected as factors of the crash. Blood was drawn from Englade and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for toxicology analysis. Impairment is not suspected for Romishe Mejia-Fequier, however toxicology results are pending an autopsy. The crash remains under investigation and criminal charges are pending.
As of press time, Englade was listed in stable condition, while Medena remained in critical condition.
Motorists that witness possibly impaired drivers and/or hazardous situations are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police.
