Jackson County, MS (February 20, 2026) – Two people who died in a crash on Interstate 10 in Jackson County have been identified following Wednesday morning’s collision.
The crash happened around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, in the westbound lanes near the 50-mile marker close to Ocean Springs. A Ford prisoner transport van owned by St. Joseph Detention Center of Daytona Beach, Florida, was traveling west when it collided with a 2005 Ford E-350 utility van that was also heading west.
After the collision, the transport van left the roadway, overturned, and caught fire. Michael Valera, 32, who was driving the transport van, and William Rodman, 34, an inmate being transported, both died in the crash.
Another transport company employee and a second inmate were seriously injured and airlifted to an out-of-state hospital. The driver of the utility van, who is from Gautier, was also seriously hurt and taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
What Happens After a Serious Multi-Vehicle Crash on the Interstate?
Crashes on major highways like Interstate 10 often involve higher speeds and heavy traffic. When multiple vehicles are involved, the impact can lead to rollovers, fires, or vehicles leaving the roadway.
Large vans and commercial vehicles may carry several occupants, which can increase the number of people affected in a single incident. When a vehicle overturns, passengers can face a greater risk of serious injury, especially if the crash results in fire.
Highway crashes may also require road closures while damaged vehicles are removed and debris is cleared. In cases involving serious injuries, medical helicopters are sometimes used to quickly transport patients to specialized hospitals for treatment.
