Five people died and one injured after van struck by train near Highway 49
March 27, 2026 | Stone, MS
The Stone County Sheriff's Department is investigating a tragic collision between a van and a train that claimed five lives and left one person injured.
Authorities reported the incident unfolded around 1 p.m. on Pump Branch Road near Highway 49 in Stone, Mississippi.
Demarcus Perkins, 23, died after a van collided with a train on Pump Branch Road near Highway 49 in Stone County.
- Date and Time: Friday, March 27, at approximately 1 p.m.
- Location: Pump Branch Road near Highway 49, Stone County, Mississippi
- Vehicles Involved: Passenger van and freight train
- Victims: Demarcus Perkins, 23, among four others aged 45, 26, 22, and 20, all fatalities, and one survivor airlifted to a New Orleans hospital
- Agency: Stone County Sheriff's Department leading the investigation
What Happened in the Crash?
The van carrying six individuals collided with an oncoming train at a crossing on Pump Branch Road. Demarcus Perkins sustained fatal injuries in the collision, as did the four other passengers. The sole survivor was promptly airlifted for advanced medical care in New Orleans. Initial reports indicate the crash occurred during daylight hours, but further details on the sequence of the crashes remain under review.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Train-vehicle collisions often stem from a variety of factors, including human error, infrastructure issues, and environmental conditions. Investigators are examining whether the crossing was properly secured and if any signals malfunctioned.
Common causes of train accidents, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), include:
Cause |
Description |
Contribution to Fatalities |
|---|
Train Personnel Error |
Mistakes by engineers or crew |
25-30% of incidents |
Track Failure |
Structural defects in rails or switches |
10-15% |
Mechanical Malfunction |
Issues with train brakes or signals |
20% |
Signalman Error |
Failure to communicate or signal properly |
15% |
Reckless Driver Actions |
Vehicles ignoring warnings or barriers |
30-40% |
The NTSB reports that roughly 1,000 people lose their lives annually in train-related accidents across the United States, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures at crossings.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving train collisions, securing an independent investigation is crucial to preserving vital evidence for affected families.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline.
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on train accidents:
- Prompt initiation of an independent investigation can identify negligence by rail operators or crossing maintainers.
- Families may pursue claims for medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
- Collaboration with seasoned investigators ensures comprehensive evidence collection.
Pending investigation outcomes, the family of Demarcus Perkins could be eligible for a wrongful death claim covering funeral expenses, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Legal representatives emphasize staying informed on official investigations to safeguard rights and interests during this challenging period.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).