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New Orleans – On April 30, 2023, shortly after 2:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop B began investigating a five-vehicle fatal crash on US 90B West near General De Gaulle Drive in New Orleans. The crash claimed the life of 24-year-old Edgard Antonio Obando of Belle Chasse. 

 The initial investigation revealed that Obando was driving a 2020 Honda Civic west on US 90B near General De Gaulle Drive. For reasons still under investigation, Obando’s vehicle impacted the rear of a 2005 Acura TX that was also traveling west on US 90B. After the initial impact, the Honda rotated and collided with three additional vehicles as it traveled across all lanes of US 90B west.

Obando was unrestrained and ejected during the crash. He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other drivers involved in the crash suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment on the part of Obando is unknown and routine toxicology tests are pending.

Speeding, impairment, and lack of seatbelt use continue to be the leading causes of fatal crashes. Troopers encourage the public to have a plan in place to avoid driving impaired. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a situation. Troopers would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel. While not all crashes are survivable, wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a crash.