5 Killed After Freight Train Slams into Family Van in Horrifying Incident

A horrifying crash in Mississippi turned deadly in seconds after a freight train slammed into a van at a railroad crossing, killing five people and leaving another fighting to recover in the hospital.

The devastating collision happened around 12:30 p.m. on March 27 near Wiggins, Mississippi, when a Chrysler Town & Country van was crossing the tracks on Pump Branch Road. Authorities said the van was headed west when it was hit by a Canadian Pacific Kansas City freight train at an unguarded crossing just east of U.S. 49.

Five people inside the van were killed in the violent crash.

Officials identified the victims as 26-year-old driver Ryan C. Peterson, 45-year-old Kristina Carver, her daughters Emley Chamblee, 22, and Sarabeth Chamblee, 20, and 23-year-old Demarcus Perkins.

A third daughter, 23-year-old Ariel Chamblee, survived the crash and was taken to the hospital.

What makes the tragedy even more disturbing is that the crossing has reportedly seen multiple wrecks in recent years. According to the Stone County coroner, there have been at least three train-related crashes at that same crossing in the last three years, including a deadly one just last month.

The crossing reportedly has no lights and no crossing gate. The only warning for drivers is a stop sign.

“That crossing has proven to be rather dangerous for some reason,” the coroner said.

Now, questions are growing about why a crossing with such a deadly history still lacked stronger protections.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City said it is cooperating with local officials as the investigation continues. The company confirmed there were no injuries reported among the train crew.

In a statement, the railroad said its condolences are with the victims’ families as investigators work to determine exactly what happened.

For one Mississippi family, though, the answers will not undo the heartbreak. In one terrifying moment, a routine drive ended in a mass tragedy that wiped out five lives and left another forever changed.