TROOP L - NEWS RELEASE January 20, 2014 Two Vehicle Crash on I-55 Involving High Speed Kills Independence Woman Today at approximately 10:00 A.M., Louisiana State Police Troop L was notified of a fatality crash on I-55 north near I-12 in Hammond. The crash took the life of 60 year-old Gussie Miller of Independence. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 Mercedes 350, operated by Clifford Durio (age 31 of LaPlace), was southbound on Interstate 55 near I-12 and a 2007 Ford Fusion, occupied by Gussie Miller (Driver) and front passenger Jerome Miller (age --- of Independence), was northbound on Interstate 55 near I-12. While traveling southbound on Interstate 55 at an unsafe speed, Durio veered right causing the Mercedes to exit the roadway. Durio over-corrected while steering back toward the travel lanes and lost control. The Mercedes crossed the southbound lanes of I-55, entered the center grass median, and rolled onto its roof. Upon exiting median, the vehicle slide up an embankment and became airborne crossing into the left northbound lane of the interstate. While upside down and airborne the left rear of the Mercedes struck the front left area of the Ford. The upside down Mercedes and upright Ford came to rest in the left lane of I-55 northbound. Miller was transported to North Oaks Hospital with life threatening injuries where she later died. Jerome Miller and Durio were also transported to North Oaks with minor injuries. Speed was determined to be a major contributing factor on Durios part. All parties were restrained. Impairment is not suspected; however, blood samples were collected from both drivers for a toxicological analysis. Those results are pending. Durio was charged with negligent homicide, negligent injuring, reckless operation, felon in possession of a firearm, and driving under suspension. He was placed under arrest and booked at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. The crash remains under investigation. Louisiana State Police continue to urge motorists to always pay attention while driving, avoid distractions, and obey posted speed limits. To ensure the safety of all travelers, motorists must understand that traveling speeds need to be adjusted in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are cautioned to adjust their driving behavior accordingly. If you ever witness a hazardous driver, or situation, please call the Louisiana State Police at *LSP (*577) or 911 to report the activity. Contact Information: M/T Greg Marchand Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Section – Troop L Office: (985) 893-6236 Cell: (504) 650-5303
Posted on: Tue, 21 Jan 2014 01:58:52 +0000
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