Five Injured in Devastating SUV-Train Collision on Halbert Road in Lowndes County
LOWNDES COUNTY, MS — A harrowing collision between an SUV and a freight train on Halbert Road has left five members of the same family injured, including four children and one adult, after their vehicle was struck and dragged more than 200 feet down the tracks. The accident, which occurred on a typically quiet rural crossing, has shaken the local community and prompted a renewed call for caution around railway crossings.
The Incident
According to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the crash took place when a northbound SUV attempted to cross active train tracks on Halbert Road. At the same moment, a train traveling eastbound approached the crossing and struck the SUV directly, causing significant damage and pushing the vehicle an estimated 200 feet before it came to a rest.
Sheriff’s deputies and emergency responders arrived to find a chaotic and dangerous scene. The SUV was crumpled and partially derailed from the tracks, with five individuals trapped inside—four children and one adult female.
Emergency Response and Injuries
The children were able to exit the vehicle on their own despite the force of the impact and were quickly transported by ambulance to Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle (BMH-GT) with minor injuries. The adult female, identified as their mother or guardian, was trapped in the driver’s seat due to extensive vehicle damage and required technical extraction by rescue personnel.
Once freed, she was airlifted via helicopter to the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham, where she is being treated for severe leg injuries. Her condition has not been updated publicly, but officials say she is expected to recover.
Fortunately, no crew members aboard the train were injured in the collision. The train itself sustained minimal damage and was eventually able to continue after safety assessments.
Sheriff’s Statement and Safety Reminder
Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins issued a statement shortly after the scene was cleared, emphasizing the seriousness of railroad safety and reminding drivers of the life-or-death risks associated with crossing active tracks without pausing:
“Whenever you approach a crossing with an active train line, always stop and look both ways before proceeding. Saving just 30 seconds or a minute is not worth the risk of trying to outrun a train. Don’t endanger yourself or others. We are thankful that no one was killed, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family that was injured.”
The sheriff praised the quick actions of emergency responders, who arrived within minutes to stabilize the scene and begin care for the victims. He also thanked nearby residents who assisted at the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The crash has left the Lowndes County community stunned, especially as all five victims were members of a local family known in the area. Messages of support have poured in via social media, with residents expressing both sympathy and relief that the outcome wasn’t more tragic.
Local authorities have begun a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, including whether warning systems at the crossing were functioning correctly and whether the driver was able to see or hear the train approaching in time. The crossing in question is not equipped with gate arms, only with standard crossing signs and signals—a fact that has reignited conversations around railway safety upgrades in rural areas.
Railroad Safety in the Spotlight
This incident comes as part of a larger nationwide concern over the increasing number of vehicle-versus-train collisions at unguarded or lightly protected crossings. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there are over 200,000 railroad crossings in the United States, and thousands of incidents occur each year, many of them fatal.
Transportation officials urge drivers to treat every railroad crossing with extreme caution. Trains cannot stop quickly—often requiring more than a mile to come to a complete halt—making it critical that vehicles yield every time, regardless of perceived train speed or distance.
Moving Forward
As the injured adult continues to receive care in Birmingham and the children recover from their injuries, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office says it will continue to work with CSX Transportation and other agencies to assess safety needs at the Halbert Road crossing and others like it throughout the county.
Meanwhile, a local church and community organizations are beginning to organize support efforts for the affected family, offering meals, assistance with medical costs, and emotional support in the days ahead.
This frightening incident, while tragic, has served as a powerful reminder of how precious—and fragile—life is. In this case, thanks to quick action and a measure of luck, a potentially fatal event became a story of survival.
This is a developing story. Additional updates will be provided as new information is made available from authorities and the medical center.
