Two Killed in 18-wheeler Wreck Around Midnight Last Night

Written with artificial intelligence assistance.

According to WLBT 3, authorities have identified one of the victims involved in a fatal crash that occurred just after midnight near the Collins Industrial Park and Okatoma Golf Course.

The Collins Fire Department confirmed that the collision involved two vehicles: a passenger car and an 18-wheeler from Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Both drivers perished in the crash.

Covington County Coroner Chris DaQuila identified the driver of the 18-wheeler as 71-year-old Carl Dean Jordan of Laurel. DaQuila noted that while the identity of the driver of the passenger vehicle is still pending DNA verification, they have confirmed that the driver was male. DaQuila stated that both individuals likely died instantly.

Collins Police Chief Joey Ponder described the scene as one of the most severe his officers have encountered. In response to the incident, first responders narrowed northbound traffic on U.S. 49 to one lane while working to clear the wreckage. Southbound lanes remained open. By approximately 7:30 a.m., traffic flow had returned to normal.

The response involved multiple agencies, including the Collins Fire Department, Collins Police Department, Mt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department, Covington County Medical Examiner’s Office, Covington County EMS, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Covington County Emergency Management Agency, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

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The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and Collins Police Department officials will provide further details as they become available.