Accident Update · March 29, 2026 · Stone County, Mississippi · Railroad Accident Law
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured near Wiggins, Mississippi on Friday, March 27, 2026. This tragedy did not happen in a vacuum and the community deserves answers.
Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry confirmed the five deaths. Stone County Sheriff Todd Stewart said the crash occurred around 1:00 p.m. First responders were forced to cut through the surrounding woods to reach the wreckage.
The Victims of the Wiggins, MS Train Crash
Among those killed were a mother and her two daughters a devastating loss for one family that has shaken the entire Stone County community.
∙ Ryan C. Peterson, Age 26 · Van Driver · Corrections Officer, Harrison County Sheriff’s Dept.
∙ Kristina Carver, Age 45 · Front Seat Passenger
∙ Emley Chamblee, Age 22 · Daughter of Kristina Carver
∙ Sarabeth Chamblee, Age 20 · Daughter of Kristina Carver
∙ Demarcus Perkins, Age 23 · Passenger
A sixth passenger a 23-year-old woman survived the collision and was airlifted from the scene. Her current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
A Dangerous Crossing with No Arms and No Lights
What makes this tragedy especially heartbreaking and legally significant is that the Pump Branch Road railroad crossing has no crossing arms and no warning lights. Motorists approaching this crossing had nothing to warn them a train was coming except, potentially, a static stop sign.
“This’d be the second incident in the last four to five weeks involving fatalities and the third incident in the last year, all involving fatalities. To date, we’ve lost seven folks within the last year.”
Stone County Sheriff Todd Stewart
Seven people killed at or near the same crossing in a single year. That is not an accident that is a pattern of preventable deaths. Nearby resident Pam Olson, who has been raising concerns about the Pump Branch Road crossing for some time, was working in her yard when she heard the sound of screeching brakes. Her husband ran to the scene and immediately recognized the severity of what had happened.
According to reporting, Stone County District 1 Supervisor Jimmy Springs previously contacted Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) railroad engineers about safety upgrades to the Pump Branch Road crossing. He was told that crossing arms were planned but that installation could still be a year away. Seven people are dead while the county waits.
Who May Be Legally Responsible for This Crash?
When a dangerous condition is known — reported to authorities, documented in local news, and linked to repeated fatalities — and nothing is done to fix it, serious questions arise about legal liability. Multiple parties may bear responsibility for the deaths and injuries at the Pump Branch Road crossing.
The Railroad: Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC)
Under the Federal Railroad Safety Act and federal regulations enforced by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), railroad companies are required to ensure safe crossing conditions. Questions for CPKC include: What did the railroad know about the repeated crashes at this specific crossing? Were adequate warnings and safety measures in place? Did CPKC report the crossing’s hazard history to federal regulators as required?
State and Local Government Entities
Mississippi law and federal highway-railroad crossing programs place responsibilities on both state and local government entities. Stone County and MDOT may face scrutiny over whether and when the decision was made to upgrade the Pump Branch Road crossing — and why, after multiple fatal incidents in the past year, the crossing still had no protective devices on March 27, 2026.
Other Potential Parties
A full investigation may reveal additional contributing factors, including the condition of the roadway, vegetation or visual obstructions near the crossing, and whether federally funded crossing improvement programs were properly applied.
What Survivors and Families of Victims Should Know
If you lost a loved one in this crash, or if you are the surviving passenger, you have legal rights and time matters. Evidence at crash scenes can be altered or lost quickly. Railroad companies dispatch their own legal and investigative teams within hours of any incident. You need an experienced advocate doing the same on your behalf.
The families of those killed may be entitled to file wrongful death claims in Mississippi. The surviving passenger may have a claim for serious personal injury. These cases are complex they often involve federal railroad regulations, government liability, multiple defendants, and expert testimony. They require experienced legal representation.
At Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A., we represent Mississippi families in catastrophic accident cases exactly like this one. Our firm is based in Jackson, Mississippi and we fight for people across the entire state. There is no fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim after the Wiggins, MS train crash? In Mississippi, eligible parties for a wrongful death claim typically include the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If a loved one was killed in the March 27, 2026, Stone County train crash, it is important to contact an attorney immediately so that time-sensitive evidence can be preserved and your rights protected.
Can the railroad company be held responsible for this crash? Potentially yes. Under the Federal Railroad Safety Act and Federal Railroad Administration regulations, railroads have obligations regarding grade crossing safety. The fact that the Pump Branch Road crossing had no arms or warning lights and a documented history of fatal crashes may be central to establishing railroad liability in this case.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Mississippi? Mississippi’s statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally three years from the date of the incident. However, claims against government entities may have significantly shorter notice deadlines. Contact a Mississippi personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Does Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis handle railroad accident cases? Yes. Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. handles catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Mississippi, including cases involving railroad accidents, 18-wheelers, premises liability, and other serious accidents. The firm has offices in Jackson, MS and Gulfport, MS and offers free, confidential consultations with no fee unless they win.
We’re Here for Mississippi Families
If you or a loved one was affected by this tragedy, please reach out. Our consultations are always free and completely confidential.
(601) 948-8005 — Call Now
cglawms.com
120 N Congress St, Suite 200 · Jackson, MS 39201 · Serving clients throughout Mississippi · No fee unless we win.
Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for general informational and public awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. The investigation into this crash is ongoing and details may change as additional information becomes available. If you have a legal matter, please consult with a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
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