Amtrak locomotive strikes vehicle in Gautier Thursday evening
November 06, 2025 | Gautier, MS
Gautier resident Tavarios Johnson Jr. lost his life Thursday night when the vehicle he occupied collided with an Amtrak passenger train in Jackson County.
The incident marked the second deadly train-vehicle crash along the Mississippi Coast in less than two weeks and the third in South Mississippi in under two months.
Tavarios Johnson Jr., 40, of Gautier, died when his vehicle was struck by an Amtrak train on Ladnier Road in Jackson County.
What Happened in the Gautier Train Crash?
- Victim: Tavarios Johnson Jr., age 40, from Gautier
- Date and Time: November 6, 2025, just after 8:15 p.m.
- Location: Ladnier Road, Gautier, Jackson County, Mississippi
- Train: Amtrak Train 26, en route from New Orleans to Mobile
- Outcome: Johnson pronounced dead at the scene
- Role in Vehicle: Unspecified if driver or passenger
An Amtrak spokesperson confirmed the vehicle struck the locomotive on Ladnier Road. No details emerged about other occupants or train passengers.
Why Do Train-Vehicle Crashes Occur in Mississippi?
Train-vehicle collisions nationwide stem from multiple causes. Officials will examine all factors in this case.
Common Causes of Train Crashes (2019 Data) |
|---|
| Personnel error |
| Track failure |
| Mechanical malfunction |
| Signalman error |
| Reckless behavior |
In 2019, approximately 1,850 train accidents nationwide caused nearly 100 injuries and deaths.
Legal Insights on Train Collision Cases
“Train crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “A skilled attorney can protect the family of a victim from train companies, which often send their investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize in an attempt to defend their negligence.”
- Independent probe preserves evidence
- Early legal review safeguards rights
- Separate investigation counters company resources
“Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during this difficult time and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to.”
Pending investigation results, the Johnson family may pursue a wrongful death claim for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.
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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).