Fatal crash snarls Airline

Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 26, 2010

By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

DESTREHAN – A two-vehicle fatal accident on Airline Highway in Destrehan Wednesday afternoon claimed the life of a New Orleans man, according to a release from State Police.

Warren Johnson, 73, was killed when he lost control of his 2008 Ford Ranger and hit a 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo in a head-on collision on Airline Highway just before 4 p.m. Wednesday, said Trooper Melissa Matey, spokesperson for State Police Troop B.

According to a release from State Police, Johnson was driving north on Airline Highway near Ormond Boulevard in the left lane when he suddenly lost control of his vehicle, crossed the median and entered southbound lanes of traffic.

Johnson’s truck crashed into the Monte Carlo, which was driven by Christopher Wahab, 17, of Destrehan. Wahab’s vehicle was in the left lane of southbound Airline Highway, according to State Police. Wahab and his passenger were transported to River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace with moderate injuries. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Matey said speed and alcohol are not considered factors in the crash, but toxicology results on both drivers are still pending. All lanes of Airline Highway near Ormond Boulevard were shut down for more than an hour while State Police investigated the crash.