Stone County, MS (March 27, 2026) – A deadly crash involving a train and a van on Friday afternoon, March 27, on Pump Branch Road near Highway 49 in Stone County, left five people dead and one injured.
Emergency units responded to the scene around 12:30 p.m. after reports of a collision between the van and a train. Authorities said six people were inside the van at the time, along with two individuals on the train. Crews worked for several hours to free one injured occupant who was trapped inside the wreckage.
Five people in the van were pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving occupant was airlifted to a hospital in New Orleans for treatment, though their condition has not been released. The crash led to temporary closures on Highway 49 as responders worked to manage the scene.
No additional details about how the collision occurred have been confirmed.
The crash remains under investigation. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased victims.
What Makes Train and Vehicle Collisions So Dangerous?
Transitional zones between highways and surface streets near Pump Branch Road and Highway 49 can increase crash risk. Crews in Stone County carefully manage merging traffic during serious incidents.
Train collisions often result in severe damage due to the size and weight of rail cars. Even at moderate speeds, trains require long distances to come to a stop, making it difficult to avoid a vehicle on the tracks.
Crossing areas can pose challenges when visibility is limited or when drivers misjudge timing. Warning signals, barriers, and driver awareness all help reduce the risk of these high-impact crashes.
