DPS says alcohol contributed to triple fatality collision
The Texas Department of Public Safety says alcohol contributed to an accident that killed three people and critically injured a three-year-old girl.
Two vehicles collided on September 22 on FM 1442 near Cajun Way Road in Orange County. The crash killed Kelly Dutta, 33, of Beaumont, who was the driver of a pickup truck, Margaret Cottom, 61, of Jasper, a passenger in her vehicle, and Kathy Viator, 47, of Orange, the driver of an SUV. The crash left Emily Noddin, a three-year-old passenger in Dutta's vehicle, in critical condition.
According to a KFDM News report on September 23, troopers said Dutta tried to turn left onto Cajun Way Road and was struck by an SUV in the northbound lane.
According to Trooper Bryan Cooper, toxicology results were as follows: Kelly Dutta-negative; Margarett Cottom-negative; and Kathy Viator-blood alcohol concentration of 0.18. Trooper Cooper believes Viator's level of intoxication was a contributing factor in the fatal crash.
Emily Noddin is stable and conscious but has no control of her motor skills and must use a feeding tube. She is facing at least one year of physical therapy.
An account has been set up at Chase Bank, 350 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, to help her family. The account number is 834623118.
The family appreciates the support it has received from the community.
