VIDEO: Train derailed, roads closed as water rises in Pearl River County

PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - Floodwaters in Pearl River County are causing multiple issues for residents and first responders. On Saturday morning, multiple roads were underwater, causing traffic delays throughout the Poplarville area.

The flooding has been most severe in the White Sands and Hillsdale communities. Officials said the flooding has caused a train to derail just north of Hillsdale Road.

According to Chief Deputy Shane Tucker with the sheriff’s department, 14 cars derailed on the Norfolk Southern train but no authorities do not believe there is a hazmat situation.

Tucker said the derailment is not blocking Hillsdale Road at this time but the road is flooded over. EOC director Danny Manley said no injuries have been reported.

By 10 a.m., emergency officials were reporting that multiple high-water rescues have already taken place.

Around 10:25 a.m., Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash on I-59 just south of Highway 26.

Sgt. Chase Elkins said it appeared a Freightliner was stopped in the northbound lane due to standing water on the interstate. A Poplarville man driving a Toyota Corolla was traveling north and ran into the back of the Freightliner.

He was pronounced dead on the scene. Elkins identified the victim as 25-year-old Devyn James Killion. Killion died from injuries sustained from the crash.

The driver of the Freightliner was not injured.

Traffic is also seeing backups on I-59 at Wolf River near mile marker 32. Only one lane of traffic is open at this time due to water over the road.

There is also 5-6 feet of water over the road on Highway 26 East at Gator Creek. Boley Creek is also causing the White Sands community on Highway 26 West to flood.

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