A tragic accident near Wiggins has left five people dead after a train collided with a van at a rural crossing.
What Happened
According to authorities, the crash occurred when a freight train operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City struck a van near a crossing outside Wiggins, located about 45 miles from Biloxi. The impact was severe, leading to multiple fatalities at the scene.
Casualties and Survivors
All five people who died were inside the van. Officials identified the victims as 26-year-old driver Ryan C. Peterson, 45-year-old Kristina Carver, her daughters Emley Chamblee (22) and Sarabeth Chamblee (20), and 23-year-old Demarcus Perkins.
One passenger, a 23-year-old woman, survived the crash but was seriously injured and had to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
No injuries were reported among those on board the train.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Local authorities, including the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating the cause of the crash. Officials are working to understand how the collision happened and whether any safety factors played a role.
The railway company also expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Impact of the Incident
This heartbreaking accident has deeply affected the local community, especially as multiple members of the same family were among the victims. Incidents like this highlight the dangers present at railway crossings and the importance of strict safety measures.
