A Charenton woman is dead following a Sunday afternoon crash in St. Mary Parish. According to Louisiana State Police, the crash took place at about 5:00 p.m. on LA 87 at Briarwood Drive near Franklin, La.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2014 Hyundai Elantra was traveling east on LA 87 when the driver, 33-year-old Teala M. Bernard of Chareton, La, drove across the centerline.  Police say Bernard’s vehicle struck a westbound 2006 Dodge Durango head-on.  The Dodge Durango was being operated by 26-year-old Roni Landry of Franklin, La.

Bernard, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office.  A passenger in Bernard’s vehicle, Aaren D. Brown, of Jeanerette, La, was air lifted to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. Police say Landry was wearing her seatbelt and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. Two young children in Landry’s vehicle were properly restrained and were also transported to a hospital with minor injuries.

Police say impairment is suspected of being a contributing factor in the crash. A toxicology sample was obtained from Bernard by the Coroner’s Office and will be submitted for analysis in order to determine the level of impairment.

The crash remains under investigation. According to Master Trooper Books David, Troop I has investigated 15 fatal crashes resulting in 15 deaths this year.