Pointe Coupee – Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a single-vehicle fatal crash Friday night on US Highway 190 near La. Hwy. 976 in Pointe Coupee Parish. The fiery crash, which occurred shortly before 1 a.m., resulted in two deaths and left another with life-threatening injuries, said TFC Russell G. Graham II.

Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Saturn Vue was traveling east on US 190 when it struck the median guardrail. The vehicle began to rotate, struck a second guardrail and burst into flames with the three occupants still inside.

The driver, George Joseph, Jr., 54, of New Orleans, and his front seat passenger, George Joseph, Sr., 78, also of New Orleans, both sustained critical injuries and were transported to Baton Rouge General Mid-City Hospital, Graham said.

Joseph, Sr. later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital personnel, said Graham.

The rear seat passenger, Jeannette Joseph, 80, of Donaldsonville, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Pointe Coupee Parish Coroner’s Office, Graham said.

Troopers do not suspect impairment to have been a factor in the crash.

Last year, Easter weekend proved deadly across the state, Graham said. The common themes in the fatal and serious injury crashes were driver impairment and lack of seat belt use. Troopers urge motorists to use good judgment while driving and to always wear a seat belt.

Following a few simple “rules of the road” can mean the difference between life and death.

1. Never drive impaired.

2. Never get into the vehicle with an impaired driver.

3. Never allow an impaired person to drive.

4. Always buckle up.