One of two victims identified in late night collision of car, 18-wheeler

Officials have been able to identify one of the two victims in a late-night two-vehicle wreck that first responders described as one of the worst accident scenes in recent memory.

WDAM in Hattiesburg reports that the wreck occurred around midnight Tuesday near the Collins Industrial Park and Okatoma Golf Course outside the Collins city limits.

The wreck involved an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle. Officials from the Covington County Coroner’s Office say that both drivers likely died “instantly” after the collision occurred.

The driver of the 18-wheeler was identified as 71-year-old Carl Dean Jordan of Laurel.

Officials are awaiting DNA tests to help positively identify the male driver of the passenger vehicle.

Responding agencies included the Collins Fire Department, Collins Police Department, Mt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department, Covington County MEI, Covington County EMS, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Covington County EMA and the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

The crash is under investigation.