Entrapped driver freed and air lifted for treatment after crash on I-20

An entrapped driver has been freed and transported to UMMC via AirCare for injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash on I-20 near Edwards.

A vehicle left the roadway along Interstate 20 eastbound between Flowers and Edwards at around 11 a.m. on Friday. The vehicle traveled down the embankment and struck a tree.

Numerous first responders responded to the crash, including units with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Fire Medic 20 and Engine 402. Warren County Fire Coordinator and Interim Executive Director of 911 Jerry Briggs was also on the scene.

Units discovered the driver, an unknown male, was injured and entrapped within the vehicle. AirCare was requested but delayed due to high winds.

Plans to shut down the interstate were cancelled and AirCare was diverted to Bolton Elementary. Strong headwinds made the school a safer landing zone and the impact to traffic was minimized. This also allowed for the victim to already be enroute to the hospital in the event the helicopter could not safely land.

First responders worked for about 30 minutes to free and stabilize the driver to meet AirCare for transport to UMMC.  Briggs has told us the driver has sustained “serious injuries” from the crash.