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Grosse Tete – Shortly before 10:00 a.m. on March 4, 2022, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle serious injury crash on Interstate 10 eastbound at milepost 129 (Atchafalaya Basin Bridge) in Iberville Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 61-year-old Charles Loving of Hammond.

The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as 33-year-old Melvin Thomas of Hammond and his two passengers were traveling east on Interstate 10 in a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. Loving was a passenger in the Mercury. While traveling east on Interstate 10, the Mercury sustained a flat tire and became disabled in the left lane. After sustaining the flat tire, Thomas exited the Mercury to assess the situation. At the same time, a 2018 Toyota RAV4 was traveling east on Interstate 10, and struck the rear of the Mercury and Thomas. Thomas was launched off of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge after being struck by the Toyota.

Loving sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. On March 15, 2022, Troop A was notified by the hospital that Loving succumbed to his injuries. The remaining passenger in the Mercury sustained minor injuries and was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. After being launched into the Atchafalaya Basin, Thomas was recovered by a local fisherman. Thomas was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the Toyota was properly restrained at the time of the crash and sustained minor injuries. He was also transported to a local hospital for treatment.  As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis.

Motorists should always be cognizant of their surroundings and obey posted traffic control signs.  Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and obeying all traffic laws can often mean the difference between life and death.