U.S. 190, I-49 wreck leaves 1 dead, numerous injured


A three-vehicle fatality crash on U.S. 190 at Interstate 49 left an Opelousas man dead and  numerous others transported to local hospitals, Louisiana State Police reported in a news release.
Shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday, Louisiana State Police Troop I troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on U.S. 190 near Interstate 49.  
The preliminary investigation revealed a 1997 Mercury Tracer, operated by 47-year-old Catherine Arclese of Opelousas, was traveling north on the I-49 east Frontage Road and stopped at its intersection with U.S. 190, police report.
Police said a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by 18-year-old Brandell Pryor of Opelousas, was traveling west on U.S. 190.  Pryor was towing a 1997 Buick Park Avenue, which was being towed with a strap and had a driver in control of the vehicle.  The driver behind the wheel of towed vehicle was 25-year-old Porche Rubin of Opelousas, police said.

Arclese attempted to cross both lanes of U.S. 190 to gain access to the entrance ramp to I-49 and her vehicle crossed into the path of Pryor’s vehicle, police said.
The impact caused Arclese’s vehicle and Pryor’s vehicle to exit the roadway on the north side of U.S. 190, where both came to rest, police said.
After the initial impact, the front bumper area of the Buick struck the rear bumper area of the Chevrolet truck causing the tow strap to break, police said. The Buick traveled a short distance and came to rest west of the initial point of impact on the road, police said.

Arclese sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, police said.
Harold Richard, 55, of Opelousas was a passenger in Arclese’s vehicle.  Richard sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Troopers were unable to determine if Richard was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, police said.
  Pryor sustained injuries and refused treatment at the scene, police said.
  Five passengers in Pryor’s vehicle were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment, police said.
Rubin and two passengers were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment, police said.

Police said impairment is suspected of being a contributing factor in the crash.  Toxicology samples were obtained from Arclese and Rubin and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis, police said.  Troopers determined Pryor was not impaired at the time of the crash.
Arclese was cited for failure to yield, however; this case remains under investigation and further charges may be filed, police said.
Pryor was cited with two counts child restraint violations, police said.
The crash remains under investigation.
Troop I has investigated 18 fatal crashes resulting in 18 deaths this year.