Mississippi County, AR (May 13, 2026) – A 56-year-old Blytheville man died after a three-vehicle crash in Mississippi County on Tuesday morning, May 12. The collision happened around 5:09 a.m. at the intersection of State Highway 18 and State Highway 312.
Officials said Wilbert C. Blagg was traveling north when his vehicle turned into the path of an eastbound sport utility vehicle. That vehicle was driven by Dalton J. Mitchell, 25, of Manila.
After the first impact, Blagg’s car came to rest in the roadway. It was then hit by a second eastbound sport utility vehicle driven by Arlita A. Joiner, 36, of Brookland. Blagg died from his injuries.
Mitchell, Joiner, and a minor passenger in Joiner’s vehicle were taken to hospitals with unspecified injuries.
The crash remains under investigation, and additional details may become available as authorities continue their review. Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we wish the injured people a full recovery.
How Multi-Vehicle Intersection Crashes Can Become Severe
Multi-vehicle intersection crashes can become serious when one impact leaves a vehicle stopped in a travel lane. Other drivers may have little time to react, especially during early morning hours. A second impact can increase injury risks for everyone involved.
Intersections with highway traffic may include vehicles moving at different speeds and in different directions. Turning movements, sight distance, and traffic gaps can affect how a crash develops. Damage patterns and final vehicle positions may help explain the sequence of impacts.
These crashes can also create hazards for other drivers. Debris, blocked lanes, and stopped vehicles may affect traffic near the scene. Medical records and scene details can later show the full extent of the injuries.
