Five Killed including Police Officer After Train Collides with Van in Remote Stone County, MS Area

STONE COUNTY, Miss. (BuzzReport) — Five people were killed Friday afternoon after a train collided with a van in a heavily wooded area of Stone County, authorities confirmed.

The crash occurred near Pump Branch Road, just off Highway 49, in a remote location that posed significant challenges for first responders. Emergency crews were forced to cut through dense woods to access the scene, delaying immediate rescue and recovery efforts.

According to officials, all five occupants of the van were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have identified the victims as:

• Ryan C. Peterson, 26, an officer with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department
• Kristina Carver, 45
• Emley Chamblee, 22
• Sarabeth Chamblee, 20
• Demarcus Perkins, 23

Law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel from multiple jurisdictions responded to the crash. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the collision, including how the van came to be on or near the tracks at the time of impact.

The death of Peterson has deeply impacted the law enforcement community. Colleagues described him as a dedicated officer committed to serving and protecting the public.

Officials have not yet released details بشأن whether the train crew was injured or the number of passengers on board. The rail line remained closed for several hours as crews processed the scene and began clearing debris.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.