Head-on collision results from attempting to pass tractor-trailer

By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

GRAMERCY — Four people under the age of 30, succumbed to fatal injuries during a head-on collision after one car entered the wrong lane.

The Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to the two-vehicle crash that took place on March 30 around 11:28 in the morning.

The crash occurred on LA Hwy 70, north of LA Hwy 3125 in St. James Parish, according to Trooper Johnnie Brown, spokesman for the LSP Troop A.

Brown said a 1985 Chevrolet Impala was traveling northbound on LA Hwy 70 behind a tractor-trailer.

&#8220The driver of the Impala entered into the southbound lane and began passing the tractor-trailer to the left,” Brown said. &#8220Before completing the passing maneuver, the Impala struck a 1994 Lexus head-on in the southbound lane.”

After the impact, the Impala and the Lexus started

rotating counterclockwise, and the Lexus struck the tractor-trailer during the rotation before coming to a rest.

The driver of the Lexus, Tammika L. Steward, 29, of St. Gabriel, and passenger Quincy A. Brown, 27, of Paincourtville, and Impala passengers Ronald Jenkins, 26, and Roderick Gordon, 20, both of Gonzales, all sustained fatal injuries, and were pronounced dead at the scene by the St. James Parish Coroners Office, according to Brown.

&#8220The driver of the Chevrolet Impala, Jermaine K. Jenkins, 23, of Gonzales, sustained moderate injuries and was transported by Acadian Ambulance to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital,” said Brown.

Jenkins was charged with four counts of negligent homicide, improper passing, no safety belt and DWI (upon lab results), according to Brown.

Brown said safety belts were not worn and drug use is suspected to be a factor in the crash.