ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. — A 63-year-old woman, Deborah H. Severio of Ponchatoula, tragically lost her life early Friday morning in a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 10, according to the Louisiana State Police.

Crash Overview

  • Date & Time: May 22, approximately 4:40 a.m.
  • Location: I-10 just east of the I-10/I-12/I-59 interchange, St. Tammany Parish
  • Vehicles Involved: Toyota 4Runner, Toyota RAV4, Audi A6, Nissan Titan

Sequence of Events

  1. A Toyota 4Runner became disabled in the roadway, prompting a series of collisions in the same area.
  2. Severio was driving a Toyota RAV4 eastbound and slowed for the disabled 4Runner. At that point, her vehicle was rear-ended by an Audi A6.
  3. All drivers exited their vehicles while awaiting emergency responders.
  4. A Nissan Titan then approached the crash scene and collided with the rear of the Audi, pushing it forward and striking Severio and her vehicle.

Victims

  • Fatality:
    • Name: Deborah H. Severio
    • Age: 63
    • Severio was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained during the chain-reaction crash.
  • Injured:
    • Passenger in the Toyota RAV4: minor injuries, transported to a local hospital
    • Drivers of Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Titan: uninjured, properly restrained

Investigation & Safety Notes

  • Impairment is not suspected for the Nissan Titan driver, with a breath alcohol test of .000 g%.
  • Routine toxicology tests are being conducted for all drivers involved.
  • Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the crash.

Troopers reminded drivers to:

  • Exercise extreme caution near crash scenes
  • Move vehicles out of travel lanes when possible
  • Avoid standing in or near traffic lanes as pedestrians

Motorists are also encouraged to report hazardous roadway conditions by dialing *LSP (*577).

This tragic incident underscores the dangers of secondary collisions and highlights the importance of caution for both drivers and pedestrians near active crash scenes.