Fatal Train Collision Claims Life at Gautier Crossing; Victim Identified

Gautier, MS – A Gautier resident died Thursday night after his vehicle collided with an Amtrak train at a railroad crossing on Ladnier Road. The fatal incident, confirmed by the Gautier Police Department, occurred around 8:15 p.m.

Authorities identified the victim as 29-year-old Tavares Johnson of Gautier. He was reportedly ejected from his vehicle upon impact and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The collision involved Amtrak Train 26, which was traveling from New Orleans to Mobile. Amtrak later confirmed that none of the approximately 55 passengers and crew members on board sustained injuries.

Preliminary investigations by Gautier Police, based on eyewitness accounts, indicate that the vehicle bypassed a lowered railroad crossing at the time of the crash. The train experienced a significant delay of approximately four and a half hours following the incident before continuing its journey eastbound.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene on Thursday night, including Gautier Police, Gautier Fire Department, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. The Mississippi Highway Patrol is providing assistance with crash reconstruction as the investigation remains ongoing. Amtrak is also collaborating with local law enforcement to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.