Columbia, MS (May 28, 2026) – One driver was killed and another was hurt in a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 98 in Marion County early Tuesday, May 26. The collision was reported just before 5:45 a.m.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a 2016 Ford Edge was traveling north on Lampton Hilltop Road when it crossed into the path of a 2009 GMC Sierra moving east on US Highway 98: the two vehicles struck each other at the intersection.
The driver of the Ford, Carolina E. Powell, 31, of Lumberton, died at the scene, while the driver of the GMC was taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries. That person’s name was not included in the initial report on the accident.
Investigators are continuing to piece together what led to the collision, and additional findings are expected in the days ahead. We offer our sincerest condolences to Carolina Powell’s family and to all who loved her.
What Factors Are Commonly Reviewed in Rural Two-Vehicle Intersection Crashes in Mississippi?
Rural highway intersections see a disproportionate share of serious crashes compared to urban roads. The combination of higher travel speeds, limited lighting, and fewer traffic control measures can make these crossings particularly unforgiving when a driver misjudges a gap or fails to yield.
In Mississippi, crashes at rural intersections often involve one vehicle traveling along a main highway while another enters from a side road. The difference in speed between the two can be significant, which tends to make the outcome more severe. Time of day also matters: early morning hours bring reduced visibility and, in some cases, driver fatigue. These factors together help explain why rural intersection crashes so frequently result in serious or fatal injuries even when only two vehicles are involved.
