This is an updated post. You can read the original story here.
Wiggins, MS (March 28, 2026) – A deadly collision between a van and a freight train claimed the lives of five people on Friday afternoon, March 27, in Wiggins. The crash occurred around 1:00 p.m. on Pump Branch Road as the van traveled westbound toward U.S. 49.
Authorities identified the victims as 26-year-old Ryan C. Peterson, a corrections officer with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department; 45-year-old Kristina Carver; her daughters, 22-year-old Emley Chamblee and 20-year-old Sarabeth Chamblee; and 23-year-old Demarcus Perkins.
Another passenger, 23-year-old Ariel Chamblee, Carver’s daughter, survived the crash and was flown to a hospital in New Orleans for treatment. No one on the freight train was injured. Officials noted that the railroad crossing where the crash occurred does not have gates.
The crash remains under investigation by authorities.
Our condolences go out to the families of those killed.
Why Vehicle-Train Collisions Can Be Particularly Deadly
Collisions between vehicles and trains are among the most severe types of traffic accidents. Trains are massive and cannot stop quickly, meaning any vehicle in their path is at extreme risk. Even slow-moving trains can cause catastrophic injuries.
Railroad crossings without gates or signals increase the risk of collisions, particularly in areas with frequent train activity. Drivers must be aware of warning signs and listen for train horns when approaching tracks. Safety measures like gates, lights, and clear visibility can reduce—but not eliminate—the risk of serious injury.
