By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A fiery crash took the life of a motorist Friday in St. John the Baptist Parish, and authorities are waiting on autopsy results to identify the victim.

Louisiana State Police spokesman Evan Harrell said as of Tuesday morning, troopers were still waiting on the coroner’s report.

He said authorities were nearly certain as to the victim’s identity based on the vehicle’s registration but wanted to be sure before releasing any names.

He said a fire caused during the wreck is making the identification difficult.

Louisiana State Police spokeswoman Melissa Matey said preliminary investigation indicated a 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix was traveling south on U.S. 51, approximately 1.5 miles north of Interstate 10, shortly after 8 p.m. Friday when the wreck occurred.

For unknown reasons, Matey said, the vehicle ran off the road to the right, began spinning and the rear end of the vehicle struck a tree.

“The Pontiac caught on fire, and the unidentified driver was pronounced dead on the scene,” Matey said,

“Impairment is unknown, and toxicology tests will be performed during autopsy,” Matey said. “Speed and lack of seat belt use are factors, and the crash remains under investigation.”