2 adults, 2 kids killed in head-on St. Charles Parish crash

An early morning head-on collision in St. Charles Parish took four lives Monday. Louisiana State Police says two of the fatalities were under the age of 10.

"The crash claimed the life of 33-year-old Mathieu Christophe of Laplace," said Trooper Jacob Pucheu. "It also claimed the lives of 38-year-old Benjamin Alexis and his two sons, 8-year-old Benjamin Alexis III and 5-year-old Charles Alexis, all from Chalmette."

According to troopers, Christophe was driving a 2017 GMC Terrain in the southbound lanes of U.S. 61 near the I-310 overpass, when the 2021 Volkswagen Passat driven by Alexis was headed north, and for reasons still under investigation, the VW and the GMC collided head-on.

"Christophe and Benjamin Alexis were pronounced deceased on scene," said Pucheu. "Benjamin Alexis III and Charles Alexis later died at the hospital. The additional juvenile remains in critical condition."

Pucheu said the three children were in the rear seat, but none were in the proper restraints. Christophe was wearing a seat belt. It is unknown if Alexis was wearing his seat belt.

Toxicology samples are being analyzed to determine if impairment was a factor in the crash.