Catahoula Parish, LA (June 23, 2024) – A devastating two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 84 west of Louisiana Highway 913 has claimed the lives of two individuals, including a 58-year-old man from Jonesville and a 5-year-old juvenile from Latrobe, PA.
On the night of June 21, 2024, at approximately 11:13 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to the scene of the fatal crash. The initial investigation revealed that a 2018 Kia Soul, driven by 25-year-old Viktoria Jones of Latrobe, PA, was traveling westbound when it crossed the centerlines into the eastbound lane. The vehicle collided head-on with a 2011 Nissan Maxima driven by Fredrick Washington of Jonesville.
Washington, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Similarly, a juvenile passenger in the Kia, who was restrained only with a lap belt, also sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on site. The juvenile was a resident of Latrobe, PA.
Viktoria Jones, the driver of the Kia, was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained moderate injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Additionally, two other juvenile passengers in the Kia, who were properly restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were also taken to a local hospital.
In the Nissan Maxima, three juvenile passengers and one adult passenger, none of whom were wearing seatbelts, sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
Routine toxicology samples have been collected and submitted for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that distracted and inattentive driving might have played a role in the incident.
Louisiana State Police continue to stress the importance of attentive driving and proper seatbelt use. “While not all crashes are survivable, the proper use of seatbelts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and reduce the extent of injury,” said a State Police spokesperson. “Ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.”
As of 2024, Troop E Troopers have investigated 30 fatal crashes, resulting in 33 fatalities. This tragic incident underscores the critical need for safe driving practices and vigilant attention to the road.
