Two St. Tammany Parish Women Killed by Truck in Careless Driving Crash

Anthony Hernandez, aged 34, of New Braunfels, Texas, was driving an 18-wheeler westbound on Louisiana Interstate 12 about 3 miles from exit 59 when he tried to pass another vehicle. Reentering his previous lane, Hernandez didn't notice a Ford Explorer that was in his path, and he struck the back of the vehicle. The impact caused the SUV to spin out of control off the highway, striking several trees alongside the highway, KGNB.AM reports.

Two women inside the SUV, Desiree Hudson, aged 35, and Colleen Randall, aged 54, were killed despite having been restrained by seatbelts. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Hernandez suffered only minor injuries. Louisiana State Troopers say that he submitted to a blood-alcohol field test which showed alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Hernandez was arrested on charges of negligent homicide and careless driving and was booked into the parish jail in Covington.

The lawyers of the Young Firm offer their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Randall.

The tragic loss of these two women is the result of a truck driver's inattention. There is no other explanation, because the Ford Explorer was hit in the back, and was therefore not riding in a blind spot. The accident occurred at 1 a.m., which means that even in a blind spot the vehicle had its lights on and would have been visible.

To New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette and Baton Rouge motorists, this is a reminder of how deadly an 18-wheeler can be, sending an SUV spinning just by hitting its back.

The New Orleans car and truck accident attorneys of the Young Firm take your safety seriously. If you have been hurt in an accident caused by someone else, contact us for a FREE discussion of your case.