PORT ALLEN, Louisiana — A quiet stretch of Interstate 10 turned tragic early Monday when three young residents of Hammond lost their lives in a fiery single-vehicle crash that has left friends and family in shock. The Louisiana State Police say the wreck happened just before 4 a.m. on the eastbound side of the highway near milepost 144, between the Grosse Tête and Lobdell exits in West Baton Rouge Parish.
Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A were called to the scene after reports of a serious crash involving a passenger car. When they arrived, they found the vehicle off the roadway, its front buried in trees, and the entire car fully engulfed in flames. All three people inside were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were identified as 20-year-old Kelvanisha Stanley, who was driving, 19-year-old Kareem Felder, and 20-year-old Jacoby Brumfield — all from Hammond. Authorities say Stanley’s vehicle drifted out of the right lane, crossed the left lane, and entered the center median before striking multiple trees and bursting into flames.
Family, friends, and classmates have described the loss as heartbreaking. Stanley, Felder, and Brumfield were young people with their whole lives ahead of them, and their sudden deaths early Monday morning have cast a deep shadow over the Hammond community. Conversations among friends and social-media posts reflect a mix of disbelief and grief.
At this early stage of the investigation, state police say it’s unclear what caused the car to leave the roadway. Officials have not yet determined if speed, fatigue, seat belt use, or impairment played a role. Fire damage complicated early findings, and investigators are continuing to piece together what happened in those final moments before the crash.
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For hours after the collision, crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigators processed the scene. The interstate was closed briefly, adding to the tension and concern of drivers headed into the workweek.
Louisiana State Police are urging drivers to wear seat belts, avoid distractions, and make responsible choices behind the wheel. They emphasize simple precautions can often make a life-and-death difference on highways like I-10.
