Suspected drunk driver blamed for wrong-way crash that leaves 2 dead

RUDDOCK, LA (WAFB) -

Investigators said two people are dead and two others were
injured when a suspected drunk driver went the wrong way on I-55 and caused a
three-vehicle crash.

Louisiana State Police said Conrad Hebert, 31, of Tickfaw,
died at the hospital. Brandon Craig, 32, of Franklinton, the driver believed to
have been impaired, died at the scene. Investigators said toxicology results on
Craig are pending an autopsy and they do not suspect the other two drivers were
impaired.

Troopers said it happened on I-55 South near Ruddock in St.
John the Baptist Parish around 4:30 a.m. I-55 South was closed between Manchac
and Ruddock for several hours. It reopened shortly before 10 p.m.

Tpr. Melissa Matey reported Craig was driving a 2011 Kia north
in the southbound lanes of I-55 and collided head-on with a 2006 Chevrolet
driven by Hebert. She added a 2004 Honda driven by Newton Matthews, 59, of St.
Rose was behind Hebert and also crashed.

According to a written release, Matthews drove through the
fluids on the roadway while trying to avoid the initial crash and ended up
losing control and slamming into the guardrail. It added he suffered minor
injuries in the crash, but refused medical treatment on the scene.

Matey also said two passengers with Craig were taken to the
hospital with moderate injuries. They were identified as Kori Goldsby, 22, of
Walker, and Jason Trahan, 29, of St. Amant.

Goldsby was reportedly sitting in the front seat and Trahan
was behind the driver. Matey reported none of the people in the Kia had on
seatbelts.

The crash remains under investigation.

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