L’Observateur / April 16, 1998

ST. ROSE – A Sulphur man died Sunday in a three-vehicle accident onInterstate 10 near the Kenner line. Eight others were injured, two of themseriously.

According to the Louisiana State Police spokesman, Trooper Kevin Cannatella, a 1977 Buick LeSabre driven by Kevin J. Robertson, 36, 537Turtle Creek Lane, St. Rose, was eastbound on I-10 approaching Kenner. Hispassengers included Deanna Robertson, 35; Samilah Brock, 13; and Renetta Anderson, 14.

At 6:53 p.m., the Buick struck a 1993 Honda Civic driven by Lisa A. Hardee,17, 732 Miles Drive, Callaway, Fla. Her passengers were Rebecca Newton,23, Callaway, Fla., and Tara Plaisance, 20. The Honda was pushed to theguard rail and came to a rest.

The Buick then continued on and struck the rear right of the 18-wheeler driven by Kenneth L. Neese, 4417 Robin Hood Drive, Pascagoula, Miss. Hispassenger was Ricky Porter, 47, 2476 St. Anthony Lane, Sulphur.The 18-wheeler nearly jackknifed and struck the guard rail, then the ruptured diesel fuel tanks caught on fire. The blaze was brought undercontrol by Kenner Fire Department firefighters.

Porter was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Earl Alleman, assistantcoroner for St. Charles Parish.Plaisance and Neese were taken to East Jefferson General Hospital. Listedearlier in serious condition, Plaisance was treated and released Sunday.

Listed earlier in critical condition, Neese was upgraded to good condition Monday and relesed Monday evening, according to a hospital spokesman.

Cannatella said cause of the accident remains under investigation and possible charges are pending.

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