Van collided with train on Pump Branch Road in Stone County
March 27, 2026 | Stone, MS
A tragic train accident in Stone County claimed the lives of five individuals, including a mother and her two daughters, when a van struck an oncoming train.
What Happened in the Crash?
Kristina Carver, 45, Emley Chamblee, 22, and Sarabeth Chamblee, 20, died after a van collided with a train on Pump Branch Road near Highway 49 in Stone County.
The collision occurred around 1 p.m. on Pump Branch Road near Highway 49. According to the Stone County Sheriff's Department, the van was traveling along the road when it collided with the train, leading to multiple fatalities.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: Pump Branch Road near Highway 49, Stone, MS
- Date and Time: March 27, around 1 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Passenger van and freight train
- Responding Agency: Stone County Sheriff's Department and local coroner
- Status: Investigation ongoing
Casualties and Injuries
Three identified victims perished in the wreck: 45-year-old Kristina Carver, along with her daughters, 22-year-old Emley Chamblee and 20-year-old Sarabeth Chamblee. Two other passengers, aged 26 and 23, also lost their lives. A sixth occupant was airlifted to a hospital in New Orleans for medical care.
Victim Details |
Age |
Outcome |
|---|
Kristina Carver |
45 |
Fatal |
Emley Chamblee |
22 |
Fatal |
Sarabeth Chamblee |
20 |
Fatal |
Unnamed Passenger 1 |
26 |
Fatal |
Unnamed Passenger 2 |
23 |
Fatal |
Unnamed Passenger 3 |
Not Available |
Airlifted to the hospital |
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Train collisions with vehicles often stem from various factors, including errors by train personnel, track failures, mechanical issues, signal errors, or driver recklessness.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), train accidents result in approximately 950 deaths and over 6,500 injuries annually in the United States.
Common Causes of Train Accidents |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Personnel Error |
Mistakes by train operators or staff |
NTSB |
Track Failure |
Defects in rails or switches |
Federal Railroad Administration |
Mechanical Malfunction |
Issues with train brakes or engines |
NTSB |
Signalman Error |
Faulty signaling systems |
Federal Railroad Administration |
Reckless Actions |
Driver failure to heed warnings |
CDC Highway Safety Reports |
Legal Insights
In the wake of such devastating crashes, families may benefit from professional guidance to navigate investigations and potential claims.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence for a victim's family,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “A skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from powerful train companies, which often send their investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent party. Each case is unique and must be investigated thoroughly. Time is of the essence in cases such as this and the family of the victim must ensure that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner."
- Preserve Evidence Promptly: Act quickly to secure crash site details before they are altered.
- Independent Review: Avoid relying solely on company-led investigations, which may favor the operator.
- Protect Rights: Legal support helps counter the resources of large transportation firms.
Pending results from the ongoing investigation, relatives of the deceased could explore a wrongful death claim. Such actions might address losses like companionship, emotional distress, and suffering.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
- Seek Damages for Loss: Compensation for pain, suffering, and companionship.
- Stay Informed: Attorneys monitor developments to build strong cases.
- Emotional Support: Legal aid eases the burden during grief.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).