The Lafayette community is mourning after three people were identified as victims in a fatal multi-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning at the intersection of Johnston Street and E Broussard Road.
According to the latest update from the Lafayette Police Department, the crash claimed the lives of 36-year-old Cherita Washington and 17-year-old Chase Washington, both of Duson, along with 21-year-old Joseph Prejean of Lafayette. A fourth individual involved in the crash was transported to a local hospital and is currently listed in stable condition.
As news of the victims’ identities spread, condolences and messages of support began pouring in from across Acadiana, particularly for the Washington family and the Lafayette High School community.
What Investigators Say Happened
Police say the preliminary investigation shows that a westbound vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed on E Broussard Road when it struck a second vehicle that was stopped at a red light, preparing to turn right onto Johnston Street. The impact pushed that vehicle into a third car that was waiting to turn left onto E Broussard Road…