Several Dead in Bus Accident on I-20 in Warren County

VICKSBURG, MS – Several people are dead in a bus accident on I-20 West in Warren County.

Just after 12:30 a.m., a passenger bus carrying 47 people reportedly had a tire blow out causing the bus to leave the roadway and roll onto its side, leaving several people dead. A credible source indicated there were seven fatalities including a 6-year-old boy. 37 survivors were transported to hospitals in Warren County and Jackson.

A massive rescue effort led by Warren County Firefighters including Warren County Fire Coordinator Jerry Briggs worked for almost two hours to get everyone out. Radio traffic indicated six people were trapped in the wreckage. Warren County was assisted by the Vicksburg Fire Department led by FD-3, Jessica Cade. Cade could be heard on the radio directing resources and supporting the effort. Cade also was at the scene assisting where needed. Warren County Sheriff’s Deputies also assisted in retrieving people from the overturned bus.

Watch our live report from the scene.

A Fortunate Translator

Warren County resident Magan Gonzalez was one of the first people to arrive on the accident scene. “People were trapped in the bus and trying to get out. One young couple was somehow out and walking around,” said Gonzalez. “But I was trying to let the people who were trapped know help was on the way.” The occupants of the bus were mostly from Mexico, according to Gonzalez. She was able to speak to them in their native language and stayed at the accident scene for several hours assisting in communications with the injured parties.

“The driver was very upset that he couldn’t control the bus and felt responsible for the accident,” said Gonzalez. “He kept blaming himself and didn’t understand why he wasn’t able to keep the bus on the road after the tire blew out.” Several family groups were on the bus. The driver suffered a shoulder injury but refused medical treatment until all the passengers were out of the bus. He then made sure everyone else was in an ambulance before he finally boarded an ambulance, according to Gonzalez.

Regiomontanos AutoBuses

The bus was traveling to Mexico and had picked up people from locations in the USA, including a couple from Atlanta. The label on the bus identified it as being operated by “Regiomontanos.” It is believed the bus runs a route from Mexico to points in the USA dropping off and picking up people.

The two hour rescue effort was the largest undertaken by most of the first responders on the scene. Seasoned firefighters said they had never worked an accident that big. None recalled ever working to help 37 people that were transported to the hospital.

Interstate 20 remains closed at the time of this report while accident investigators reconstruct the accident. Westbound traffic on the interstate is being directed off the interstate at Bovina.

There is no word when the roadway will reopen.

All photos and live report by David Day