Wesson, MS (February 17, 2026) – A 65-year-old man died late Friday night after the ambulance transporting him was struck head-on on Interstate 55 near Wesson. The crash occurred February 13 along I-55, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Troopers identified the patient as Michael Hawkins, 65. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said a 2013 Ford F-150, driven by a 38-year-old man, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-55 when it collided with the ambulance. Two Pafford EMS crew members inside the ambulance, identified as Joe Case, 48, and Jonathon Harveston, 23, sustained critical injuries.
Case was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, while Harveston was transported there by ambulance. The pickup driver was also airlifted for treatment. Troopers said charges are expected to be filed. The crash remains under investigation.
Key Details
- Reported: February 13
- Location: I-55 near Wesson, MS
- Type: Head-on crash involving ambulance
- Injuries: One fatality; multiple critical injuries
- Investigation: Ongoing by Mississippi Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred late Friday night on I-55.
- An ambulance transporting a patient was struck head-on by a pickup truck.
- Michael Hawkins, 65, died at the scene.
- Two EMS crew members were critically injured and transported to UMMC.
- The pickup driver was also airlifted, and charges are expected.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The current medical conditions of the injured EMS crew members.
- The condition of the pickup driver.
- The specific factors that led to the wrong-way travel.
- The timeline for formal charges.
Interstate corridors such as I-55 near Wesson typically carry steady overnight traffic, including commercial vehicles and emergency transports. Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous highway collisions because of the combined speeds and limited reaction time for drivers. When a crash involves an ambulance, authorities often close portions of the interstate to allow for medical air transport, vehicle recovery, and a detailed reconstruction of the scene. Investigators review roadway access points, signage, and driver behavior as part of determining how the incident occurred.
What to Do Next
- If you observe a wrong-way driver, call 911 immediately and provide the vehicle’s location and direction of travel.
- Remain alert on highways, especially at night, and use the right lane when possible to reduce risk.
- If it is safe, note mile markers or nearby exits to provide accurate information to responders.
- Never attempt to confront or pursue a suspected wrong-way driver; allow law enforcement to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might early details change after the initial call?
Initial reports are often based on limited scene information. As troopers investigate and gather evidence, additional facts may clarify what happened.
Why do highway accidents create backups so quickly?
High speeds and limited space to maneuver mean that even a single blocked lane can rapidly cause congestion and extended delays.
What happens during the documentation phase of an accident response?
Investigators measure vehicle positions, photograph damage, and review roadway evidence to reconstruct the crash.
