Full Breakdown
Fatal Train-Van Collision in Wiggins, Mississippi
3/29/2026, 1:06:22 AM
Incident Overview
On March 27, 2026, a tragic collision occurred between a Canadian Pacific Kansas City freight train and a van in Wiggins, Mississippi, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. The accident took place around 1 p.m. at a railroad crossing on Pump Branch Road, approximately 45 miles northwest of Biloxi. The van, carrying six passengers, was struck by the train, leading to the fatalities of all but one occupant. The sole survivor, a 23-year-old woman, was airlifted to a hospital in New Orleans for treatment.
Victims Identified
The victims of the crash were identified by Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry. They included:
- Ryan C. Peterson, 26, the driver and a corrections officer with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department.
- Kristina Carver, 45.
- Emley Chamblee, 22, Carver's daughter.
- Sarabeth Chamblee, 20, Carver's daughter.
- Demarcus Perkins, 23.
The only survivor, Ariel Chamblee, was hospitalized following the incident.
Safety Concerns at the Crossing
Local officials and residents have raised concerns about the safety of the Pump Branch Road railroad crossing, which lacks crossing arms or lights. Stone County Sheriff Todd Stewart noted that this incident marks the third fatal accident at this location within a year, with a total of seven fatalities reported in the last year across various incidents involving trains. Nearby resident Pam Olson expressed her alarm over the crossing's safety, recounting the moment she and her husband heard the crash while gardening.
Official Responses
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway expressed condolences to the victims' families, stating, "Our most sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims of this tragedy." The company is cooperating with local authorities as investigations into the crash continue. Stone County District 1 Supervisor Jimmy Springs mentioned that he had previously contacted the Mississippi Department of Transportation regarding the installation of crossing arms, which could take up to a year to complete.
Historical Context
This incident is part of a troubling pattern at the Pump Branch Road crossing. Reports indicate that there have been multiple accidents at this site over the past five years, with previous incidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. The most recent fatal accident prior to this one occurred in April 2023, involving a Kansas City Southern Railway train.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Stone County Sheriff’s Office and local news sources consistently report the number of fatalities and the identities of the victims, there is a lack of detailed information regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash. Additionally, the timeline of previous accidents at the crossing is not fully documented, leaving gaps in understanding the frequency and causes of these incidents.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is about seven or eight train wrecks here in the last five years,” — Ella Hall, Local Resident
- “My husband and I were in the yard working on our flowerbeds. I told my husband a train hit another vehicle. My husband ran up there and said, ‘Pam, it’s bad.’” — Pam Olson, Nearby Resident
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures at railroad crossings in rural areas to prevent future accidents.
