In heartbreaking news from Mississippi, six people, including a kid, died after a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that was headed the wrong way on the Interstate 55 one-way lane in Jackson collided head-on with a Hyundai Sonata. The incident occurred on Friday, December 6, 2024, at approximately three in the morning.
The Chevrolet Silverado was unfortunately traveling south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 in Jackson when the crash took place, according to reports from several news outlets. The pickup truck, which only had the driver, collided with a Hyundai Sonata traveling north near Daniel Lake Boulevard with five passengers.
As reported by WAPT 16ABC News, Detective Tommie Brown provided details about the victims involved in the crash. A 23-year-old Scott County resident was the driver of the Chevy Silverado pickup truck. The people traveling in the Hyundai Sonata consisted of a 34-year-old woman, a 30-year-old man, an 18-year-old man and woman, and a 6-year-old boy from Copiah County.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders such as Jackson police, American Medical Response, and the Hinds County Coroner's Office, all passengers were declared dead on the scene.
Mississippi Highway Patrol has responded to the crash
In an interview with WJTV, Mississippi Highway Patrol officer Darnika Mayfield emphasized the importance of following the state's left-lane passing law to help prevent wrong-way collisions. She said:
"A lot of the time, somebody might [have] some kind of medical condition or they may be impaired, and they're thinking they're traveling on the right side on the opposite lane,"
"So that's why we stress that when you're traveling, stay in that right lane. ... The purpose of a left lane is only for passing. Once you pass, you must get back over."
In a statement provided to ABC affiliate WAPT, the Jackson police officials commented on the crash. They said:
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this tragic accident."
The names of the victims have not been released yet and according to Jackson Police Department, they are still looking into the details of what exactly caused the tragic crash.
Anyone with any information about the crash is advised to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 601-355-8477 (TIPS) or contact the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234.
What is the Mississippi left lane passing law?
In Mississippi, the law regarding the use of left lanes is designed to prioritize the smooth flow of traffic. The left lane should generally only be used for passing slower vehicles. According to Mississippi law, drivers should not continuously travel in the outermost left lane unless they are:
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- Overtaking or passing another vehicle.
- The right lanes are closed due to construction or other obstacles.
- Preparing to exit the roadway on the left side.
It is important for drivers to be aware of and follow this law in order to prevent traffic congestion and promote safe driving practices.
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