Although they account for a small percentage of overall accidents, head-on collisions are the most devastating, often fatal, types of collisions. Especially when they take place at high speeds, the force of the impact of a head-on collision is multiplied, leading to catastrophic injuries. These kinds of injuries can be broken bones, severe lacerations, burns, and internal injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are also common in head-on collisions, as are traumatic spinal injuries that can result in partial or full paralysis. Most head-on collisions are caused by driving recklessly, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or driving while drowsy.
WSB Radio reports that a Louisiana deputy who was driving home from his bachelor party was killed in a head-on collision in Mississippi.
30-year-old Jonathan Panks had just 111 days to go until his wedding to Colette Lemonier.
On Sunday, Panks was driving home to Louisiana from his bachelor party, which was held in Florida. At around 1:30 p.m., Panks, who was a corporal with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Officer, was killed in a head-on collision in Harrison County, Mississippi.
Panks was driving his Chevrolet Silverado westbound when a Toyota Camry that was heading eastbound crossed the median and slammed into his truck. The driver of the Camry, identified as 36-year-old Ross Labrosse, was killed at the scene.
Panks was pronounced dead about an hour following the crash at Garden Park Medical Center in Gulfport, Mississippi.
According to the coroner, both victims died of blunt force trauma. Prior to the crash, a vehicle matching the description of Labrosse’s was seen driving erratically on the interstate. Preliminary reports indicate that Labrosse was attempting to pass another vehicle when he lost control of his own car.
Three passengers in Panks’ pickup truck also suffered from injuries. All three were still hospitalized on Monday.
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