Names Released in Fatal I-59 Accident

NAMES RELEASED IN FATAL JASPER CO. ACCIDENT

The Mississippi Highway Patrol has released the names and more details in the fatal Interstate 59 accident from Saturday evening. MHP Troop H, Public Information Officer, Jameka Moore tells CCHT the following:

At Approx. 3:38 p.m. a 2018 Toyota with a Texas plate was traveling southbound on Interstate 59 at the 112-mile marker. The Toyota was being driven by Michael Mejia, 38 of Houston, TX. accompanied by his wife and two children. A 2006 Freightliner, driven by Marcus Lee, 37 of Middletown, DE. was traveling northbound, then left its lane of travel, crossed into the center median and into oncoming traffic. The 18-wheeler collided with the passenger car in the front driver’s side, splitting the vehicle in half.

Three occupants in the Toyota car were pronounced deceased on the scene. Those of which have been identified as: Michael Mejia, 38 Hispanic male, Lisa Mejia, 8 Hispanic female and Aaron Mejia, 9 Hispanic male.

The wife and mother, Tara Mejia, 39 Hispanic female was transported to South Central Regional Medical Center for critical injuries.

The 18-wheeler driver, Marcus Lee of Delaware, was airlifted from the scene and transported to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg for critical injuries.

Both vehicles came to a final rest at the southbound wood line after impact.

State Troopers were at the crash site until almost midnight conducting their on-scene investigation.

Interstate 59 had to be closed down several times which emergency crews tended to the injured, to allow medical helicopters to land, to recover the crashed vehicles and for Troopers to measure the scene from beginning to end.

This was a tragic situation and CCHT sends our most sincere, heart-felt condolences to the family who lost their loved ones. There are no charges pending at this time.

Immediate Family of the deceased have been notified in person by State Troopers with MHP.

***UPDATE***

(5:00 pm) Officials tell CCHT that three (3) people have been confirmed deceased (male adult and two children) from the accident scene and 4th and 5th victims were transported by Ambulance and UMMC AirCare to area hospitals where both are said to be in critical / very serious condition.

We’re being told that the car involved is a 2018 Toyota which is bearing a State of Texas license plate.

More to follow.

***BREAKING NEWS***

[[NOT CLARKE COUNTY]]

EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ALERT

Multiple Emergency Officials are currently on scene of a major accident involving an 18 wheeler and passenger car, on Interstate 59 at the 112 mile marker, southbound side (near Heidelberg) where there are three (3) reported fatalities.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol and other agencies have I-59 closed at the 112 mile marker, as there are two medical helicopters being dispatched to land on the scene.

Please avoid and Do NOT travel down I-59 near Heidelberg at this time, as delays from accident reconstruction could take hours. Traffic is in the process of being re-routed at this time.