LAPLACE — A St. John the Baptist Parish woman was killed and several others injured following a violent wreck Monday morning.

Louisiana State Police spokeswoman Melissa Matey said, as of press time Tuesday morning, charges are pending after the crash resulted in the death of Joywanne Adams, 39, of LaPlace.

Adams was taken to University Medical Center in New Orleans with critical injuries and later died following the two-vehicle crash that occurred shortly before 10 a.m. Monday on U.S. 51.

According to Matey, preliminary investigation revealed Adams was traveling north on U.S. 51 in the left lane approaching Palmetto Drive when a 2004 GMC Envoy, driven by Marlon Pierre Jr., 24, of Luling was traveling south on U.S. 51.

For unknown reasons, the GMC veered across the turn lane into the path of the Nissan, authorities said.

Adams was taken to University Medical Center, along with a 1-year-old rear seat occupant who had moderate injuries. Kyelajuan Bolding, 22, was also a rear seat occupant and was brought to the hospital with moderate injuries. Pierre Jr. was taken to East Jefferson Medical Center with moderate injuries. Authorities do not believe any of the other injuries are life-threatening.

“Impairment is not suspected; however, blood was taken from Pierre Jr. and a toxicology analysis will be performed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab,” Matey said.