Two die in La. 311 crash

Two people died shortly after noon Monday when an SUV crossed the centerline of Louisiana Highway 311 and struck an oncoming vehicle head on, state police reported.

Joann Stewart, 48, of Gibson, was traveling north on La. 311 when she veered into oncoming traffic and struck a 2000 Plymouth head on, authorities said. The Plymouth, which was driven by Rena Allen, 22, of Schriever, was forced backward and caused to spin. The Neon came to rest sideways in the southbound lane of La. 311, state police said.

Allen and her front-seat passenger, Brenda Miles, 56, also of Schriever, suffered fatal injuries in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Stewart, the driver of the Chevrolet, was transported to Thibodaux Regional Hospital in critical condition. Her passenger, Diane Boudreaux, 52, of Gibson, was taken to Terrebonne General Medical Center with moderate injuries.

Troopers said all four women were properly restrained. Driver impairment, however, is unknown. Toxicology blood tests are pending, authorities said.