The Port Arthur News
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A blown-out tire caused a major accident in which two Port Arthur residents died and two were injured in Louisiana on Easter Sunday.
Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to the wreck on Interstate Highway 10 near U.S. Highway 165 in Jefferson Davis Parish at 5:24 p.m. April 8.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban driven by 22-year-old Jeremy Marquis Williams of Port Arthur was traveling west on I-10 in the left lane when one of the rear tires failed, causing Williams to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle then entered the median and rolled over, ejecting 3 occupants who were not properly restrained, according to a press release from the Louisiana State Police.
Two of the occupants, 65-year-old Gwendolyn Jernigan and 22-year-old Toya Dynae Williams, died as a result of their injuries. Both are from Port Arthur. An 11-month-old child who was also ejected was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.
Jeremy Williams, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained only minor injuries. A routine toxicology sample was obtained from the driver and will be submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
