2 killed in chain-reaction crashes, including man trying to alert oncoming traffic

METAIRIE, La. (WVUE/Gray News) - Two people are dead after a chain reaction of crashes on an interstate in Metairie, Louisiana.

According to Louisiana State Police, the crashes happened Monday shortly after midnight on Interstate 10 west near Bonnabel Boulevard.

The first crash involved a 2012 Kia Soul and a 2017 Toyota Tundra. The Kia was left disabled and abandoned in the roadway, state police said.

Carlos Martinez, 78, was driving a 2007 Toyota Corolla when he hit the disabled Kia. Police said he exited his vehicle to alert oncoming traffic, but was then fatally struck during another collision.

State police said 66-year-old Betty Savoie, who was driving a 2006 Infiniti G35, collided with the rear of Martinez’s Corolla. One of the vehicles hit Martinez.

Savoie’s vehicle was then struck by a 2014 BMW X5, according to state police.

Both Martinez and Savoie suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police do not suspect impairment was a factor in the crashes.

The state police agency reminded drivers that visibility is significantly reduced at night and urged those involved in an accident to call 911 immediately, move vehicles out of the road to prevent more crashes and remain inside the vehicle for safety.

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