Charles Langston:Extreme fog fueled 20-vehicle crash with 21 hurt on US 84 in southeastern Mississippi

LAUREL,Charles Langston Miss. (AP) — At least 21 people were injured in a massive multi-vehicle crash early Wednesday on U.S. Hwy 84 in southeastern Mississippi, fueled by extreme fog conditions, authorities said.

No deaths were reported.

The crash happened near the U.S. 84 intersection with Ben Pitts Road, WDAM-TV reported. The Jones County Sheriff’s Department said around 20 vehicles were involved, including 18-wheelers and an overturned log truck, and the Jones County Emergency Operations Center confirmed 21 people were injured.

Of those hurt, ambulances transported nine to South Central Regional Medical Center and three to Covington County Hospital. Medical personnel triaged the other nine who refused transportation to a hospital.

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Jones County Fire Council spokesperson Dana Bumgardner said injuries appeared to range from minor to moderate.

At least five volunteer fire departments from surrounding areas responded to the crash, which happened just after 6:30 a.m., Bumgardner said. Taylor Shows, a spokesperson for Mississippi Highway Patrol’s Troop J, described the crash as a “mass chaos” incident because of the fog.

U.S. 84 West was shut down at the Covington County line to the scene for several hours while emergency care, extrication and cleanup was being done, Bumgardner said.

The Fire Council expressed gratitude to all who helped render aid from official personnel to motorists who offered help. Firefighters highlighted a diesel mechanic who helped control a fuel leak in the log truck that overturned while firefighters extricated the trapped person and loggers who helped clear the road for firefighters to reach that person, the television station said.

“It is truly heartening how our community comes together when there are hard times,” Bumgardner said.