A devastating traffic accident occurred along Highway 15 north of Lamey Bridge Road near D’Iberville, Mississippi, when a D’Iberville Public Works truck struck another vehicle, causing it to overturn. According to officials, an SUV rolled onto its side, leading to fatal injuries for one occupant. The victim, William Bradford Parr, also known locally as William “Brad” Parr, was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma, confirmed by Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer.In tragic collisions like this, victims’ families often seek guidance from a vehicle accident lawyer who can help navigate insurance claims, liability investigations, and wrongful death proceedings while ensuring justice for their loved ones.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol, assisted by state patrol units and first responders, immediately began a crash investigation to determine how this motor vehicle collision unfolded.
Crash Details on Highway 15
Officials reported that a public works truck collided with an SUV near the intersection of Lamey Bridge Road and Highway 15. The force of impact flipped the smaller passenger car, leaving debris across several lanes. Traffic along the route toward Ocean Springs was closed for hours as first responders worked to assist an injured driver who was transported to Salem Hospital in serious condition.
Witnesses described the scene as a fiery crash, though flames were quickly contained by crews from Harrison County Fire Rescue. Officials ruled out a single-vehicle crash, confirming it was a two-vehicle accident involving municipal property.
The Victim Identified
Brian Switzer, speaking on behalf of the Harrison County Coroner’s Office, confirmed that William Bradford Parr, aged 48 of Perkinston, sustained fatal injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. Switzer added that first responders made every effort to stabilize Parr, but his condition was non-survivable.
Authorities also noted that he was wearing a seat belt, underscoring how violent the impact must have been.
Ongoing Investigation by Highway Patrol
The Mississippi Highway Patrol and state patrol units are leading the crash investigation, assisted by traffic accident reconstruction specialists. They are examining evidence such as skid marks, medial crossing patterns, and dash-cam footage from nearby vehicles.
Officials are also reviewing whether impaired driving, reckless driving, or violation of traffic laws played a role. In Mississippi, crashes involving public works vehicles like the D’Iberville Public Works truck can trigger complex legal questions about government liability.
Role of D’Iberville Public Works Truck
The city-owned D’Iberville Public Works truck was reportedly performing maintenance near Woodbury Circle before the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the public works truck may have entered the roadway without full clearance, though investigators have not confirmed the exact sequence.
Officials from D’Iberville Public Works are cooperating with the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Vehicle data from the Ram 2500 used by the department is being analyzed to assess speed, braking, and steering input.
Comparison to Other Recent Crashes
The tragedy mirrors other incidents across the region, including a head-on crash on Hwy 613 in Escambia County, a single-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 15, and a fatal collision on Kentucky Highway 15 investigated by KSP Post 13. Similar wrecks in Bonneville County, Perry County, and Marion County Jail jurisdictions underline how quickly routine drives can turn deadly.
First Responders and Accident Response
Emergency teams from Harrison County, Ocean Springs, and D’Iberville Fire Rescue coordinated the accident response. Paramedics stabilized one injured driver and transferred them to Salem Hospital in critical condition. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers managed detours along State Highway 55 and US Highway 29 to keep traffic moving.
Firefighters reported that the Toyota Prius involved was heavily damaged, while the Ford Ranger and Kenworth tractor and trailer passing nearby avoided secondary collisions.
Community Reaction in Harrison County
Residents of Harrison County and nearby Ocean Springs expressed grief and frustration. Many called for stricter traffic laws enforcement and better signage along Highway 15 near Lamey Bridge Road, citing multiple prior crashes in that corridor.
Local churches held vigils honoring William Bradford Parr, while city officials discussed improvements such as new reflectors, extended merge lanes, and roadside lighting to reduce the risk of another two-vehicle accident.
Crash Investigation and Legal Implications
The Mississippi Highway Patrol continues gathering data from dashcams, black boxes, and first responder reports. The Marion County Crash Team, known for assisting in complex cases, may be consulted. The focus is to determine if negligence either mechanical or human contributed.
If investigators conclude that improper maintenance or operator error by the public works truck caused the accident, D’Iberville Public Works could face potential civil liability under Mississippi’s Motor Vehicle Claims Act.
Comparative Cases Across the South
Nearby states have witnessed comparable tragedies:
- In Flomaton Alabama, an animal rescue van collided with a Nissan Juke on US Highway 29, killing two passengers.
- In Pound, VA, a Mazda CX-5 was struck head-on by a Kenworth tractor and trailer.
- In Monterey County, a Ford F-150 veered off Highway 101 after a distracted driving incident.
Each reinforces how impaired driving, speeding, and reckless driving continue to devastate families across the South.
Witness Accounts and Statements
According to Alicia Campbell, who lives near Glen Acres Road, “I heard the crash before I saw the smoke.” Her cousin Tiffany Campbell described seeing first responders pulling an injured driver from the overturned SUV. Another witness, Dustin Roberts, said traffic backups extended nearly a mile.
Such statements will help the Highway Patrol reconstruct how events unfolded in this two-vehicle accident.
Medical Efforts and Hospital Care
One surviving victim was admitted to Salem Hospital in NE Salem and later transferred to Marion County Jail custody for unrelated warrants. Doctors described the patient as in serious condition but expected to recover.
Hospital staff commended the quick actions of first responders and noted that immediate care likely prevented additional fatalities.
Similar Highway Incidents Nationwide
From Inver Grove Heights to Chicago’s West Side, reports of head-on collisions and fatal injuries on interstates are rising. The Florida Highway Patrol recently handled a deadly wreck near Jiffy Mart, while Louisiana State Police Troop F investigated a head-on Ouachita Parish crash on Louisiana Highway 15.
Even Fish and Wildlife Officers in Clear Creek Canyon responded to a passenger car rollover last month, showing that roadway danger respects no borders.
Reckless Driving and Legal Consequences
Under Mississippi law, reckless driving resulting in death can lead to Manslaughter I charges and jail time of up to 20 years. However, prosecutors often face challenges proving intent or negligence, especially in motor vehicle crashes involving public works trucks or government employees.
Legal experts note that even if a driver avoids prison, civil suits may follow particularly if families seek justice for lost loved ones like William Bradford Parr.
Highway 15 Safety Concerns
Locals argue that Highway 15, stretching through Harrison County toward Perry County, has inadequate shoulders and poor lighting. Frequent rain reduces visibility, increasing risks of head-on collision and two-vehicle accident scenarios.
Officials also mentioned intersections like St. Louis Road NE and Woodbury Circle as hotspots for traffic accidents, often requiring quick responses from first responders.
Community Safety Initiatives
Following the tragedy, the Mississippi Highway Patrol announced plans to coordinate with Jackson Police Department and Idaho State Police counterparts to share data on collision prevention. The initiative focuses on driver awareness, distracted driving reduction, and compliance with traffic laws.
The state aims to prevent future deaths on corridors like Highway 15 and State Highway 55 through targeted patrols and awareness campaigns.
Remembering William Bradford Parr
Friends described William Bradford Parr as hardworking and family-oriented. His sudden loss deeply affected residents of Harrison County.
Neighbors like Janet Ogren and Juan Garibo shared memories of Parr helping repair fences after storms near Woodbury Circle. They now call for stricter traffic laws enforcement to ensure such tragedies aren’t repeated.
Conclusion
This Highway 15 tragedy stands as a solemn reminder of how fragile life is behind the wheel. A moment of distracted driving or failure to yield can cause irreversible damage. The Mississippi Highway Patrol, together with local first responders and the Marion County Crash Team, continues to examine every detail from the D’Iberville public works truck to eyewitness testimony to deliver answers.
For the Parr family and the entire Harrison County community, the hope is that improved traffic laws enforcement and safer road design will prevent the next fiery crash on Mississippi highways.
